Victory for Guglielmi in two-wheel drive class

Victory in the first round of the Renault Sport 2WD Challenge, organized within the framework of the IRC at the Tour de Corse, went to a local team from the island. With their Clio R.S. R3, Pierre-Antoine Guglielmi and Jean-François Porcu dominated the 2-wheel drive category from start to finish. The Corsicans sealed their win ahead of Guy Fiori ans Jean-Jacques Ferrero (Clio S1600) then Italians Stefano Albertini and Simone Scattolin, competing aboard Megane R.S. N4 for the first time.

After a year’s absence, the Tour de Corse is back in its rightful place, as one of the most famous rallies in the world. Now a part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge calendar, the event is synonymous with success for Renault, who have won some of their finest victories in this island rally, in particular with the Dauphine Spéciale, the R8 Gordini, Alpine A110, R5 Maxi Turbo and Maxi Mégane.

For this 54th edition, Renault was going for victory in the 2WD class through privateers driving Clio R.S. R3 or Mégane R.S. N4.

Pierre-Antoine Guglielmi and Jean-François Porcu were outstanding throughout the weekend aboard their Clio R.S. R3. The two men took command of events right from the first day, after the double run round the Le Fangu - Notre Dame de la Serra special stage. Pushing hard throughout the three stages, taking the rally from Calvi to Ajaccio via Corte, they stretched their lead with every special, to end with more than four minutes margin over their closest rivals. Twelfth in the overall standings, the pair finished ahead of many of the four-wheel drive cars.

"It’s great for a Corsican crew to win at home, on a test that’s as famous and difficult as this one. I really enjoyed driving my Clio on the Pirelli tyres. We had a fantastic weekend," commented Pierre-Antoine Guglielmi at the finish.

At the wheel of his Renault Clio S1600, Guy Fiori and co-driver Jean-Jacques Ferrero took second place in the two-wheel drive category. Stefano Albertini and Simone Scattolin finished 3rd with their Megane R.S. N4.

In the overall standings of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2WD class, Pierre-Antoine Guglielmi, with 25 points, now joins Pierre Campana (winner at the Monte Carlo Rally on Clio R.S. R3) and Joan Vinyes (winner of the Rally Islas Canaris) in first position.