The French Rally Championship (CFR) turns up the heat as the season heads south for the iconic Rallye Antibes Côte d’Azur, running from 16–18 May 2025. The third round of the nine-event campaign promises sun, sea, and spectacular battles on the fast, technical asphalt of the Alpes-Maritimes.
With seven nationalities represented across the entry list, Antibes is shaping up as a pivotal event in the CFR title fight.
Camilli the favourite on home turf
Local hero Eric Camilli, co-driven by Thibault De La Haye, returns to Antibes eager to repeat his dominant victory from 2024. After narrowly missing out on the win at the recent Rallye Rhône-Charbonnières, Camilli will be fired up to deliver in front of his home crowd.
But it won’t be a walkover. Championship leaders Yoann Bonato and Benjamin Boulloud are in top form and will be determined to extend their points advantage. Rising stars Réhane Gany and Franck Le Floch (Sarrazin Motorsport Iron Lynx) have been a revelation so far this season and could very well play spoiler once again.
Expect Hugo Margaillan/Mathieu Coppa and Lucas Darmezin/Valentin Augé to be right in the mix too, both looking to upset the established order.
75 crews ready for battle
With a packed entry list of 75 crews, the Rallye Antibes Côte d’Azur features:
- 13 Rally2 contenders
- 9 GT (RGT) entries
- 10 CFR Two-Wheel Drive competitors
- 15 Michelin Trophy participants
- 5 Alpine Elf Rallye Trophy entries
- 2 crews in the CFR Women’s Championship
A fierce battle is expected across every category.
Alpine’s GT+ machines poised to challenge
The sleek Alpine A110s will once again play a key role. Memories of Nicolas Ciamin and Maxime Martini’s 2021 victory remain fresh, and the GT+ machines are well-suited to the demanding tarmac of Antibes.
Raphaël Astier, after his impressive showing in 2024, is gunning for another strong result, aiming for GT points and overall heroics. Meanwhile, Ludovic Godard, current leader of the CFR Two-Wheel Drive Championship, seeks to continue his winning streak following his success at Charbo. Veteran Cédric Robert will also be eager to get back into the fight after a troubled start to the year.
The second round of the Alpine Elf Rallye Trophy promises fireworks, with new faces joining the fight and shaking up the standings.
Fontalba vs Bernardi in RGT showdown
Grégory Fontalba, winner of the RGT category in the Alpine Trophy opener, faces stiff opposition this weekend. Rally favourite Florian Bernardi makes a much-anticipated return to Antibes, piloting an Alpine A110 RGT with co-driver Xavier Castex. Expect a fierce duel for top honours in the GT field.
VIP debut: Tom Villa joins the action
Adding a touch of celebrity to the event, French comedian and entertainer Tom Villa will make his rally debut at Antibes. Following in the footsteps of Étienne Moustache at Le Touquet, Villa will tackle his first CFR event as part of the “Ça va trop VIP” initiative, driving a Peugeot 208 Racing FR6 prepared by Trajectus Motorsport and guided by experienced co-driver Jérôme Degout—with advice from none other than Yoann Bonato.
Antibes: A classic with bite
The Rallye Antibes Côte d’Azur is more than just a scenic drive. The challenging stages of the backcountry around Nice offer a unique blend of technical corners, rapid descents, and narrow mountain passes. Add in the potential for unpredictable weather, and it’s a true test of skill and strategy.
For full route details: www.antibes-rallye.com
The French Rally Championship is heating up, and Antibes is the next battleground. Can Camilli deliver for his home fans, or will Bonato, Gany, or a GT upstart steal the show?
Stay tuned to www.hhrally.com for complete coverage, results, and rally stories from the Côte d’Azur.