After winning the IRC Production Cup in the Megane Renaultsport N4 last year and also helping Renault land the IRC 2WD Manufacturer’s Cup, Robert Consani is anxious for yet more wins as he plans for another European season. Gunning for glory in the FIA European Rally Championship, the Provence driver has the official backing of Renault Sport Technologies and a new co-driver in Thibaut Gorczyca.

“I’m proud to be representing Renault Sport and to be contesting the European Rally Championship this season,” he said. “We took part in the IRC last year and got some great media coverage. The European Rally Championship is looking just as high profile, and as well as headlines in the press there’s also an FIA title up for grabs.”

Revamped by its promoter Eurosport Events and inheriting the IRC calendar, the ERC is back in the spotlight. Well acquainted with the schedule, Robert Consani has his sights set on one event in particular.

“My favourite event is the Barum Rally Zlin in Czech Republic, which is strange because I’ve been forced to retire every time there,” he explained. “It’s a rally I like a lot, though. Generally speaking, I love the start of every event. There’s nothing better than arriving at a rally all pumped up and ready to push as hard as you can for a win.

“The season starts in the Canaries, which is a great route with a lot of Renault Sport fans. I got a fantastic reception there last year, when I picked up my first IRC win in the Megane Renaultsport N4.”

Fellow countryman Germain Bonnefis has joined the Renault Sport Technologies team with the same objectives in mind. The winner of a driver development series two years ago and the 2012 French Dirt Rally champion, the Aveyron racer now has the task of imposing himself on asphalt.

“I’ve always seen myself as a versatile driver,” said the new Renault Sport recruit. “It’s not a challenge I’m afraid of. I drove a lot on dirt last year but I’m ready to shine on asphalt. It’s amazing to have the chance to step up to a European competition and I’d like to thank Renault Sport for choosing me to represent them at this level. I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m ready.”

As well as discovering some new events, such as the Tour de Corse, Germain also has an unfamiliar car to get to grips with: “The Megane is going to be a whole new experience for me. But I’m confident about that too because I’ve always been able to adapt to new cars. It’s set up for asphalt and I’m sure I can achieve big things in it. It’s got a powerful engine and a state-of-the-art suspension system and I’m convinced we’re going to do a great job with it. The best way I can repay Renault for the confidence they’ve shown in me is to combine performance and consistency and make the Megane Renaultsport N4 a winner.”