18 September 2012
Maiden IRC podium finish for Robert Consani and the Megane R.S. N4
Driving a Megane R.S. N4, Robert Consani and Nicolas Klinger turned in a fine performance in the Prime Yalta Rally, Round 10 of the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge, taking the runner-up spot to hand Renault its first podium finish in the discipline. To cap it all, the French crew also came home first in the IRC Production Cup and the IRC 2WD Cup events.
Already a proven performer on asphalt, the Megane R.S. N4 shifted up a gear in Ukraine, thanks to the sterling efforts of Robert Consani and Nicolas Klinger. A regular presence in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge this season, the French duo enjoyed a perfect weekend, making the most of an efficient, hitch-free set-up.
Arriving in Ukraine with the aim of reviving his championship challenge in the IRC 2WD Cup, Robert Consani gradually warmed to his task, easing through the gears to hit top form in a weekend to remember.
“We were well clear in the 2WD standings,” he said afterwards. “That sharpened my appetite and I focused on winning the Production event too, where I had to fight off the challenge of Marco Tempestini.”
The leader in the two categories at the end of day one and fourth in the overall standings behind three Super 2000 cars, the Megane R.S. N4 driver did not rest on his laurels. Oozing with confidence, the Gallic twosome exploited their high-performance set-up to perfection at the start of day two, recording their first IRC stage win, which was also a landmark for Renault and the Megane R.S. N4, the first two-wheel-drive car to take an IRC stage.
Barely putting a foot wrong on the demanding Ukrainian roads, Robert Consani and Nicolas Klinger set a blistering pace, posting three more stage wins in the last four specials, catching up to the Super 2000 crew. That surge took them up to second in the final race standings. As a reward for a polished performance in which he avoided the event’s many pitfalls, Robert Consani also collected the Colin McRae Flat Out Trophy, dedicated to the memory of the late world rally champion, and presented to the driver who most impressed the three-man judging panel.
“We haven’t always had success this season but nothing could stop us this time,” added the French driver. “The Megane went very well on pretty tricky terrain, and we attacked all the way in search of victory in the Production event, a place on the overall podium and eventually the runner-up spot. I keep setting myself higher objectives and I’d like to thank Renault Sport Technologies, our partners and the whole team.”
Following his weekend wins Robert Consani lies second in both the IRC 2WD Cup and Production Cup standings, and with three events to go to till the end of the season he is right in contention for both titles. His excellent performance at Yalta has also strengthened Renault’s position at the top of the 2WD Manufacturers standings and keeps them well on course for the title.
