ERC ace Bouffier on stage-winning form

Bryan Bouffier flew the FIA European Rally Championship flag in style when he finished fifth overall on Rallye Monte-Carlo yesterday.

Fresh from his second-placed finish on the ERC season-opening International Jännerrallye earlier this month and reunited with regular co-driver Xavier Panseri after linking up with Olivier Fournier in Austria, Bouffier claimed his maiden stage win at World Rally Championship level.

“It was not the best stage I did in my life because it was so slippery but it was a good time and I’m happy,” Bouffier said.

Reigning European champion Juho Hänninen was on course for a top five finish when he retired on Saturday afternoon. The Finn was also a stage winner during an impressive display.

The ERC resumes with the snow-based Rally Liepāja-Ventspils in Latvia from 1-3 February.