Among the many structures installed in the service park around the Toyota Stadium in Japan, that of Chazel Technologie Course was acclaimed by the spectators. Besides the Clio Rally3 of Ghjuvanni Rossi and Kylian Sarmezan, it was especially the Alpine A110 Rally RGT that attracted attention. The car operated by Armand Fumal and his co-driver Jules Escartefigue was both unique, new and above all it had one of the most original decorations on the field. On its sides, there were in fact the Koi carp and the dragon Ryu, the actors of a very famous legend in the land of the rising sun. With the involvement of Alpine Japan, the Chazel family, which was represented by Louis (the son) and Victoire (his sister), set up this operation to introduce this car to fans of the discipline. The Alpine is sold in Japan, but it has never before been seen in rallying. Given the performance of the Belgian driver, it would not be surprising if other examples were at the start next year.
Having been playing in Alpine for a little over 3 years, Fumal started on this round. Believing that the terrain was not completely cut out for the A110, the 55-year-old Belgian managed his event well, agreeing to “sacrifice” certain overly complicated SS (SS2/5) before raising his voice on more difficult sections. his convenience. Not going unnoticed with its look and livery, the modern Berlinette also won the two-wheel drive category. “ We can be satisfied with this participationexplained Louis Chazel a few minutes before taking the podium with the members of his team. We had a good week with on-site operations and then a worry-free race. We are already starting to look at what it will be possible to do next year. »
Ghjuvanni Rossi could see that the rally is popular in Japan (Photo: Nikos Katikis/DPPI)
Rossi poorly rewarded
After participations in Monte-Carlo, Portugal, Sardinia and Chile, Ghjuvanni Rossi came to discover Japan. The Bastia pilot was not too disoriented. “It works like in Corsica,” he laughed before leaving. On the other hand, in terms of grip, it has nothing to do. Here it slides a lot more. » Opposed to Diego Dominguez, the 2024 WRC3 champion, the Habs had a good reference to benchmark themselves against. His start to the event was promising as he led the category until SS5. He then remained in contact with the Paraguayan finishing on Friday just 2” behind. Less bloody on Saturday Rossi lost all his chances with an alternator problem (SS15). Returning to the race on Sunday, he made a point of winning 4 of the 5 SS on Sunday to draw up a positive assessment of this trip where the 24-year-old will still have gained experience.
For the team based in Saint-Hippolyte-du-Fort (Gard), this participation was a success and the rest is already in the pipeline with several crews expected for the Monte-Carlo (January 23-26).
Belgium
