Laurent Pellier dominates in lone charge at CFRT round Rallye Castine Terre d’Occitanie

There was no stopping Laurent Pellier and co-driver Kévin Bronner this past weekend, as they delivered a masterclass performance in the latest round of the French Gravel Rally Championship (CFRT). Behind the wheel of their Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, prepared by Team 2C Yacco RS, the pair stormed to victory by winning 11 of the 12 special stages, further extending their lead at the top of the championship standings.

Their supremacy was broadcast loud and clear at Rallye Castine Terre d’Occitanie, with Pellier now cemented as the standout driver of the 2024 CFRT season. The duo will head to Corsica later this month as firm favourites and clear leaders in the championship.

🗣️ “It’s been a massive weekend for us and the entire team. We delivered a near-perfect rally, only missing out on one fastest time. I felt comfortable from start to finish, even with the changing conditions. Our tyre strategy worked flawlessly—it was just pure joy!” – Laurent Pellier

Sarrazin and Gascou round out the podium

Just as in the Rallye des Causses, Pablo Sarrazin and Emmanuel Gascou joined Pellier on the podium—though in reverse order this time. Sarrazin, piloting a Citroën C3 Rally2 for Sarrazin Motorsport Iron Lynx, claimed a strong second place finish, proving himself a serious contender in this year’s championship.

🗣️ “We’re very pleased with this result, especially coming off a third place at the Causses. We had a great car, and when everything aligned, we could match Pellier’s pace. It’s encouraging, especially ahead of Portugal.” – Pablo Sarrazin

Gascou, in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 for Team AMD Motorsport, took third overall, making it back-to-back podiums for the driver, despite losing ground early in the event.

🗣️ “This podium is a great reward for the team. I’ve felt at home in the car since day one. Yesterday could’ve been better, but today was solid. Aleria might be trickier as it’ll be my first time there.” – Emmanuel Gascou

Strong performances throughout the field

Pierre Ragues narrowly missed out on a podium, finishing fourth in his Skoda and securing a strong points haul for Team 2C Yacco RS, which saw two of its cars inside the top four. Sarah Rumeau rounded out the top five in the second Citroën C3 Rally2 for Sarrazin Motorsport Iron Lynx.

Costes does the double in Two-Wheel Drive

In both the SMRC4 and French 2WD Gravel Championship, it was Loïc Costes (Peugeot 208 Rally4, Team PH Sport by Minerva Oil) who claimed the top step. He was joined on both podiums by Mattéo Codaccioni and Benjamin Barnouin, also in 208 Rally4s.

Morel returns to winning ways in Trophée National Terre Yacco

Veteran Jean-Luc Morel (Subaru Impreza N4) triumphed once again in the Trophée National Terre Yacco, outpacing Tom Pradayrol (Citroën Saxo T4) and Maxime Lafon (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9 A8).

Lobry claims GT2i Terre FFSA Trophy

Driving a Renault Clio Rally3, Mickaël Lobry (Team PH Sport by Minerva Oil) not only won the GT2i Terre FFSA Trophy, but also finished a commendable ninth overall, beating fellow Clio drivers Steven Bossard and Guillaume Tardy.

Overall Rallye Castine Terre d’Occitanie Results

1. L. Pellier/K. Bronner (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) – 1h 22m 45.8s
2. P. Sarrazin/Y. Roche (Citroën C3 Rally2) + 56.1s
3. E. Gascou/G. De Turckheim (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 2m 07.0s
4. P. Ragues/J. Pesenti (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 2m 37.9s
5. S. Rumeau/J. Amblard (Citroën C3 Rally2) + 3m 25.0s

See the event’s full results here.

Next Stop: Aleria, Corsica

There’s little time to rest for CFRT crews. The next round takes place on the stunning island of Corsica—Rallye d’Aleria, from May 29 to 31. Expect drama, beauty, and more thrilling gravel action!