This thrilling and challenging race is included in both the French and European Hill Championship circuit, and each year the Mont-Dore Hill race attracts competitors and spectators from around the world. Sponsored by Motul, the 51st edition of the race was staged over three exciting days on August 5,6 and 7 with 189 entrants cheered on by more than 4,000 spectators.
After his victory in 2010, European champion Simone Faggioli produced another awesome performance this year. Effortlessly handling his Osella FA 30, the Italian driver negotiated the 5km (including 46 bends) of winding roads between Moneaux and the la Croix Saint Robert pass in a time of 4 mins 29'394 seconds (aggregate time over two circuits). Twelve seconds behind Faggioli was the 2010 champion of France Nicolas Schatz in a Lola 94 F3000. With only three rounds of the championship remaining before the end of the season hardly anything separates these two great champions as they battle it out for the title.
Still with the “Sport” category, Sébastien Petit of the Petit team (with the technical assistance of Motul), produced an excellent performance to finish in fifth place.
In the “Production” category there was no Christophe Poinsignon and his CG groupe F Team, and the absence of the season’s leading driver was seized on by Anthony Cosson. He finished first to retake the lead at the head of the championship standings. In second place in the category was Nicolas Werver, who was in first place after the first climb but couldn’t hang on to his lead.
It was also good to see the presence of Jean-Philippe Dayraut behind the wheel of his Dacia Duster No Limit. Having successfully completed the daunting Pikes Peak International Hill Race last month, Dayraut delighted race fans in giving a demonstration of his Dacia Duster.
Results Sport Category
1// Faggioli (Osella FA 30) / 4’29’’394
2// Schatz (Lola T94/50) / + 12’’290
3// Demuth (Osella FA 30) / + 14’’262
Results Production
1// Cosson / 5’23’’558
2// Werver (Porsche 997 Cup) / + 1’’532
3// Bourgeon (Opel Astra DTM) / + 6’’342
