This Friday, April 4, the Swiss Rally Championship ignites with its first race of the new season, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Jura region, the Criterium Jurassien. As the engines rev up, all eyes are on last year’s victor, Sascha Althaus, and former champion Mike Coppens, alongside the debut of the formidable new Alpine GT+ cars.
Returning Champions and New Challengers
Last year, Sascha Althaus, alongside his co-driver Lisiane Zbinden, clinched a memorable victory at the Critérium Jura—his first on home soil. Althaus, a native of the Jura region, is eager to replicate his triumph in the 46th edition of the rally. However, he remains cautious about his odds, given the strong competition, particularly from veteran Mike Coppens, teamed with Christophe Roux, and the introduction of the high-performance Alpine GT+ cars in the competition.
The Alpine GT+ Threat
Althaus, who recently embraced fatherhood, has expressed concerns about the capabilities of the Alpine GT+ cars, especially in dry conditions, which could challenge his Skoda Rally2. He notes, “If the weather stays dry, our Rally2 cars might find it tough to match the pace of the Alpine GT+ cars.” His concerns stem from his experience at the Rallye Régional de Franche-Comté, where he finished as the top Swiss driver but third overall, trailing the French victor Ludovic Godard by 27 seconds.
Godard, competing again this weekend in his Alpine A110 Rallye GT+, had shown remarkable speed at the Franche-Comté rally, leading Althaus to predict a similar scenario at the Critérium Jurassien.
Other Notable Competitors
The race will also feature three swift Swiss drivers in Alpine GT+ cars: Sergio Pinto with co-driver Charlène Greppin, Joël Rappaz with Christelle Bou, and former rally champion Olivier Gillet paired with Patrick Spart. Rappaz, who had a brief stint at the Rallye de Franche-Comté due to mechanical issues, highlighted the Alpine’s advantages, including a superior power-to-weight ratio and a six-gear setup as opposed to five, enhancing its top speed.
Despite these advantages, Rappaz acknowledged the prowess of local drivers at their home rally, promising no shortage of excitement and suspense.
Broader Field and Women’s Impact
The rally boasts a strong lineup with 18 Rally2 vehicles at the start, including notable competitors like Nicolas Lathion, Pascal Perroud, David Erard, and Ismaël Vuistiner, all opting for the Skoda Fabia. Remarkably, half of the top 22 cars (combining Rally2 and GT+ classes) will be navigated by women co-drivers, showcasing the significant role women play in the sport.
Additional Classes and Historic Rivalry
For smaller vehicles, 18 teams are registered for the Swiss Rally Cup. The Michelin Alps 2WD Trophy will see nine teams competing, including two from France. The historic VHC class promises tight competition with 19 teams, including Swiss Champion Eddy Bérard and his co-driver Florence Bérard in a BMW M3, and former champion Florian Gonon in a Ford Sierra.
The regularity classes will see ten teams compete, with the historic and modern classifications drawing spirited participation. The event will also feature the “Slowly Sideways” exhibition, adding a nostalgic flair with 27 entrants.
As the rally gears up, the combination of seasoned champions, promising new talents, and the introduction of cutting-edge vehicles sets the stage for a thrilling kickoff to the 2025 Swiss Rally Championship.