The Rallye Terre de Vaucluse is set to bring a thrilling close to the 2024 Championnat de France des Rallyes sur Terre (CFRT). With a revamped course and an impressive lineup of over 160 teams, the competition promises an exciting weekend in the picturesque landscapes of Vaucluse, from November 8-10. This year, fans can expect a blend of seasoned competitors and fresh faces, making for a suspenseful and unpredictable finale.
A star-studded lineup and a battle for the CFRT crown
Among the notable drivers is Léo Rossel in a Citroën C3 Rally2 from PH Sport by Minerva Oil. Rossel, who currently leads the French Rally Championship, enters as the top contender at Courthézon. Although he hasn’t competed on gravel since 2022, his recent momentum could help him make a strong showing against the CFRT regulars.
Rossel faces fierce competition from Laurent Pellier in a Hyundai i20 Rally2 (Team Bonneton HDG 2C Yacco), who has impressed throughout the season. With two consecutive podium finishes, Emmanuel Gascou (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, AMD Motorsport) is another driver to watch. Also in contention are Pablo Sarrazin and Hugo Louvel, both driving Škoda Fabia RS Rally2s, and Charles Munster, who returns to Courthézon after finishing second here in 2023.
Adding to the excitement, Lionel Baud will make his comeback in the DS 3 WRC, a car that led him to the gravel championship title in 2019. The mix of young talent and experienced champions sets the stage for an intense battle for the CFRT crown.
Trophée National Terre Yacco: A Subaru showdown
In the Trophée National Terre Yacco, the title battle will be contested by a trio of Subaru Impreza N4 drivers: Guy Beakert, Jérôme Nouzières, and Jean-Luc Morel. Morel, a key organizer and record-holder for the most appearances at Rallye Terre de Vaucluse, will be looking to add another feather to his cap. This category promises a close fight, adding to the overall spectacle.
CFRT 2-Wheel Drive Class: New contenders emerge
The CFRT 2-Wheel Drive Championship also remains undecided, with several drivers in the hunt. Ludovic Brajon (Renault Clio A7), Tom Pellerey (Renault Clio Rally5, Team CHL Sport Auto Yacco), and Florian Herbin (Peugeot 206 F214) all have a chance to overtake the absent championship leader Benjamin Boulenc. Additionally, Arthur Pelamourgues (Renault Clio Rally4) and Loïc Astier (Peugeot 208 F214) are strong contenders for top positions, ensuring that the competition will be fierce.
Team Championship: A high-stakes showdown
The team championship is just as intense, with various squads fielding top drivers across multiple categories. Key teams include:
- PH Sport by Minerva Oil: Léo Rossel, Jérôme Jacquot, Cyrille Féraud
- CHL Sport Auto Yacco: Loïc Allemand, Loïc Ducastel, Tom Pellerey
- Sarrazin Motorsport Iron Lynx: Pablo Sarrazin, Sarah Rumeau, Benjamin Barnouin
- AMD Motorsport: Emmanuel Gascou, Hugo Louvel, Richard Kolle
- Bonneton HDG 2C Yacco: Laurent Pellier, Christophe Casanova
With so much at stake, each team will be pushing their drivers to deliver top performances in the final showdown.
Event highlights and schedule
The Rallye Terre de Vaucluse will kick off on Friday, November 8, with a practice session for registered crews from 10:00 to 14:00, followed by technical and administrative checks from 15:00 to 21:30 at the Salle Polyvalente in Courthézon. A press conference will take place at 18:30 on the podium, setting the stage for the weekend’s events.
The first stage begins at 06:30 on Saturday, November 9, covering a total of 131 kilometers across 10 timed stages. The second stage will commence at 07:30 on Sunday, concluding with the final arrival in Courthézon at 15:52.
Fans who can’t attend in person can follow the action live on CFR TV’s YouTube channel, which garnered over a million views in 2023, highlighting the growing popularity of the CFRT.
The 2024 Rallye Terre de Vaucluse promises to be a spectacular finale, a fitting close to a season filled with unforgettable moments. As the competition reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Courthézon, where a new champion will be crowned and a new chapter in French rally history will be written.