Campana samples Super 2000 power

Frenchman Pierre Campana had his first taste of Super 2000 machinery in the Savoie area of France earlier this month, when he tried out a Peugeot 207 S2000 and a Fiat Grande Punto S2000 on asphalt.

The tests were organised by the French magazine, ’Rallyes’, as part of their ’Operation Coup de Pouce’ programme. This programme aims to give youngsters much-needed experience in order for them to enhance their careers at international level. The cars were run by French team GPC Motorsport, which also supports the initiative.

A number of young drivers from all over France were invited to participate in the test, which took place in full snow conditions. While four-wheel drive was a new experience for Pierre, he is accustomed to snow now after taking a brilliant 12th overall on the world-famous Monte Carlo Rally last month, backed by French simulator company Ellip6.

For Pierre, this new experience at the wheel of Super 2000 machinery was a valuable opportunity to accumulate more knowledge of the highest levels of world rallying. He has already shown his adaptability in the past by recording some stunning results in one-off drives, such as third in the Junior World Rally Championship classification on the Tour de Corse - France’s round of the WRC - two years ago. More recently, he won the Renault Clio R3 category on his first trip to the legendary Sanremo Rally in Italy.

"I’m really grateful for the opportunity to drive these fantastic cars," said Pierre, after stepping out of the 300-horsepower machines - which will form the basis of the elite World Rally Car formula from next year. "Four-wheel drive was a completely new experience for me, but I managed to adapt to it very quickly. It goes without saying that I would love to do a rally in a Super 2000 car and that will be one of my realistic ambitions for this season. Super 2000 is a definite step up compared to the cars I have driven in the past, but they are actually very easy to control."

No stage times were taken as the test was purely an opportunity for the drivers to try out a different type of car with no pressure. "I’d like to thank ’Rallyes’ magazine and the GPC team for the chance to drive the cars," concluded Pierre. "I got a lot out of the distance I drove and I learned plenty of things that will be useful for the future, even though the conditions were really difficult. However, I just see tricky conditions as a valuable opportunity to improve my skills."

The 24-year-old is planning to contest a selected programme of events this year with the Renault Clio R3, and he hopes to add some more rallies to his schedule - which should be announced shortly.