With only two points separating the top three crews in the Twingo R2 France Trophy standings, the Rallye Aveyron Rouergue – Midi-Pyrénées looked to be too close to call. Contested over three days in searing heat, the event proved a stern test for cars and drivers alike.

Fastest in the opening specials, Manu Guigou and David Marty quickly put daylight between themselves and the rest of the field. 2011 Twingo R1 France Trophy champions Nicolas Romiguiere and Alexis Negre, who were given an official seat in the Twingo Renaultsport R2 last year, were running second, with Dimitri Audet/Leo Occhipinti and Yann Clairay/Thomas Roux behind them. Nicolas Romiguiere then lost ground in Friday’s last special, with Manu Guigou ending the day 25 seconds clear of Dimitri Audet and Yann Clairay.

Fastest in all four stages on day one, Manu Guigou continued in the same vein on Saturday. Despite suffering a broken exhaust manifold in SS6, it did not stop him from pulling out even more time on his pursuers on the road to Moyrazes before heading to the service park for running repairs.

While there was no catching the race leader, the battle for second was raging behind him with less than seven seconds separating Dimitri Audet and Yann Clairay at the end of SS7. Dimitri Audet then retired after running off the road, allowing Yann Clairay into second and Mathieu Sentis and co-driver Gil Vallette to climb into third, though Mathieu Sentis would soon be out of the race himself after flipping over at the end of SS10 and crossing the finish line on his roof. Mechanical problems also forced Georges and Valerie Gonon out of the running, giving Nicolas Romiguiere the chance to reclaim third.

The final day of the rally comprised two specials on the same 25-kilometre route. Manu Guigou made it 12 stage wins out of 12 with the fastest times in both of them to take maximum points ahead of Yann Clairay and Nicolas Romiguiere and replace them as the points leaders in the Trophy standings.

Manu Guigou: “I had a good race and took the lead in the Twingo R2 Trophy pretty quickly. I was also very pleased to be at the wheel of the best-placed Renault in the race. We didn’t really have any trouble apart from the problem with the manifold, which was repaired pretty quickly. I’m happy because it was a tough race in hot conditions and on worn roads. I’ve also moved to the top of the Trophy standings, which makes it a perfect weekend.”

Jeremie Serieys continues to impress

Last year’s French Junior Rally champion, Jeremie Serieys continued with his Renault Sport programme at the wheel of the Twingo Renaultsport R2 Evo. With Justine Quillet in the co-driver’s seat, he turned in yet another excellent display at the Rallye du Rouergue. Matching the pace of the Twingo R2 Trophy frontrunners, he finished 13th overall, just behind Manu Guigou, and third in the R2 class.

Rallye Aveyron Rouergue – Midi-Pyrénées – Final standings
1. Manu Guigou – David Marty 2:15:49.9
2. Yann Clairay – Thomas Roux +2:59.0
3. Nicolas Romiguière – Alexis Nègre +7:23.5
4. Jonathan Fra – Vincent Landais +8:56.6
5. David Nafria – Oscar Sanchez +34:31.2

Twingo R2 France Trophy standings (after round three of six)
1. Manu Guigou 50 points
2. Yann Clairay 43 points
3. Nicolas Romiguière 41 points
4. Mathieu Sentis 18 points …