Since the introduction of Clio Rally5 in 2020, the Clio Trophy France Asphalte has proven to be a real springboard, built on solid foundations : a reliable, high-performance car, strict equity, an attractive prize fund, and unrivalled services at this level of the pyramid. Year after year, its success shows no sign of waning, and the battle to succeed Anthony Fotia, Romain Di-Fante, Thomas Chauffray, Benjamin Stirling, Arthur Pelamourgues and Yoan Corberand looks set to be particularly close ahead of the opening round at the Rallye Le Touquet Pas-de-Calais.

Among the headliners, Paul Dachicourt is determined to shine on home turf. Sixth in the trophy last year, the Pas-de-Calais driver will spearhead the ambitions of Fun Meca Sport, a team determined to reclaim the title with the support of fellow local driver Quentin Roger and Néo Rivallant, who has already secured a stage win. David Auto Compétition nevertheless has a strong case to defend its titles. Romain Fostier, a regular in the Clio Trophy France Asphalte, is keen to turn his speed into a first victory, as are Jérôme Janny and Charlotte Oléa, both determined to confirm their progress. The latter is also targeting a third consecutive title in the Women’s category, despite competition from Belgium’s Clémentine Benoît (Sarrazin Motorsport).

Other Juniors have their sights set on the official programme promised to the best among them. PH Sport will field an ambitious lineup : Alex Florenson, expected to be among the frontrunners, Louis Gass and Louis Bottin, a multiple class winner in the French Rally Cup. 2022 Rallye Jeunes winner Maxence Potard (Gilbert Compétition) also returns as a serious contender, as does Thomas Santiago, flanked by two rookies, Maxime Chagot and Thomas Van Outrive, from the LCS Location team.

2022 French Junior Rallycross Champion with Clio RX, Tom Le Jossec (Rageau Sport Location) is among the drivers to watch, just ike Romain Brun, FR6 Trophy South-West zone winner and former competitor in the Alpine Elf Cup Series. Léo Véricel will aim to confirm his potential, whilst Oliver Sørensen will look to surprise the French crews after three seasons behind the wheel of a Clio Rally5 in his native Denmark. Other newcomers include Alfred Sablonnière (Lycée Roger Claustre), Loan Guibal (Renault Bédarieux), Théo Jacquemet (Renault Bédarieux) and Justin Veyrard, who will draw on their Clio Rally5 experience, whilst Timothé Cornu (FK Express) and Amaury Pages will discover the car.

2025 Clio Full Challenge winner Christophe Truchet will attempt to continue his progress on tarmac. Martin Massé (Eleven Motorsport) and Guillaume Hanique (FK Express) also return to the service park, as does Franck Giraud (Lycée Roger Claustre), who is targeting the Gentlemen’s title, with Romain Fostier as his main rival. Experienced Fabien Combe and local driver Guillaume Delobel (FK Express) complete the field.

Meanwhile, Lucas Zielinski and Ewen Leenhardt are about to start their official programme following their Junior title win. Backed by David Auto Compétition, the duo will make their debut in a Clio Rally3 sporting Michelin and Sabelt livery ahead of their FIA European Rally Championship debut at the Rally Sierra Morena (17–19 April). Three others Clio Rally3, one Clio Rally4, and five Clio Rally5s competing outside the trophy will also be in action on the Opal Coast.

The 66th Rallye Le Touquet – Pas-de-Calais begins on Friday with four special stages, repeated at the end of the day. On Saturday, two loops of two stages await the competitors, including Hucqueliers – Parenty, a challenging 29.98 km stage. The final ten timed sectors will offer up to five points in the ‘Jean Ragnotti Performer’ classification, in addition to the points awarded at the finish, following 188.42 km of action over a total route of 544.66 km.

2026 Clio Trophy France Asphalte calendar
26-28 March : Rallye Le Touquet Pas-de-Calais
12-14 June : Rallye Vosges Grand Est
9-11 July : Rallye Rouergue Rodez Aveyron Occitanie
3-5 September : Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine
22-24 October : Critérium des Cévennes

Entry list
#62 Paul Dachicourt – Adèle Dachicourt (J)
#63 Alex Florenson – Charline Dichamp (J)
#64 Romain Fostier – Ophélie Abchiche (G)
#65 Louis Gass – Alison Girard (J)
#66 Maxence Potard – Maxime Biegalke (J)
#67 Christophe Truchet – Barbara Truchet
#68 Jérôme Janny – Helena Pecheur
#69 Romain Brun – Aurélia Chevalier (J)
#70 Oliver Sørensen – Frederik Glad (J)
#71 Néo Rivallant – Melvin Fraigne (J)
#72 Charlotte Olea – Julie Vidal (J, F)
#73 Thomas Santiago – Anne-Laurence Breton (J)
#74 Franck Giraud – Christophe Dubien (G)
#75 Alfred Sablonnière – Corentin Dégut (J)
#76 Tom Le Jossec – Christophe Leroy (J)
#77 Léo Véricel – Julien Loiseau (J)
#78 Martin Massé – Jeffrey Bacle
#79 Louis Bottin – Titouan Andreux (J)
#80 Loan Guibal – Lohan Ranchard (J)
#81 Clémentine Benoit – Éric De Bolle (J, F)
#82 Maxime Chagot – Bertrand Chagot
#83 Fabien Combe – Fabien Chèze
#84 Théo Jacquemet - Thibault Glasson-Blanchet (J)
#85 Guillaume Delobel – Benjamin Rock
#86 Justin Veyrard – Marley Gauthier (J)
#87 Timothé Cornu – Adam Thouez (J)
#88 Amaury Pages – Mattis Chalvidan (J)
#89 Quentin Roger – Calie Danel (J)
#90 Guillaume Hanique – Philippe Vandevelde
#91 Thomas Van Outrive – Lou Cardot (J)