18 septembre 2015
Fran Cima books his place in the Clio R3T European Trophy finale
Winner of the Rallye Princesa de Asturias, the fifth round of the Iberia area Clio R3T European Trophy, Fran Cima is now assured of finishing first in the overall standings. He has therefore booked his place in the Clio R3T European Trophy finale due to be contested at the 2016 Rallye Monte-Carlo, the winner of which will earn a WRC 3 programme next season. The Rallye Princesa de Asturias also counted for the Trophy’s international category – the Spanish Alberto Monnari claimed the win to move top of the overall standings.
After winning the Rallye Ferrol, Fran Cima had put himself in a very strong position to win the Iberia area Clio R3T European Trophy. He sealed overall victory in style at the Rallye Princesa de Asturias, by claiming the category win ahead of Gil Antunes. Unflappable from start to finish, he ended the rally in second overall, won the R3 class and scored a maximum of 60 points at the event. By finishing first in the Iberia area, he is now certain to contest the Clio R3T European Trophy finale at the 2016 Rallye Monte-Carlo. The former Spanish Junior Rally Champion is therefore one of the contenders aiming to secure a programme in a Renault Clio R3T in next year’s WRC 3 World Championship.
The Rallye Princesa de Asturias also counted as the third round of the Clio R3T European Trophy’s international category. Alberto Monnari grabbed the early lead, ahead of the Hungarian Zoltan Bessenyey and the Spanish David Nafria. The Spaniard gradually increased his advantage as the rally progressed, finishing the event as the clear winner. He ended the weekend with a total of 60 points by winning the race and by claiming the most stage wins. The result puts him top of the overall standings for the international category, ahead of Alain Pyrame, who had won the Rallye d’Ypres. Second and third overall at this third round, Zoltan Bessenyey and David Nafria scored 38 and 36 points respectively, thanks to which they are now well placed in the standings. The next round of the Clio R3T European Trophy’s international category will be held at the Tour de Corse (1-4 October).
Clio R3T European Trophy – Iberia area
1. Fran Cima 180 points
2. Joao Correia 78 points
3. Gil Antunes 21 points
Clio R3T European Trophy standings – International category
1. Alberto Monnari 60 points
2. Alain Pyrame 56 points
3. Zoltan Bessenyey 38 points
4. David Nafria 36 points
5. Frédéric Perrard 10 points
6. Frédériq Delplace 2 points
Forthcoming Clio R3T European Trophy rallies :
26-27 September : East Belgian Rally (Belgium)
1-4 October : Tour de Corse (France/International)
9-11 October : Rally 2 Valli (Italy)
28-31 October : Rallye International du Valais (Alps/International)
More information about the Clio R3T European Trophy is available on the Renaultsport.com website.
