Quality and quantity on the Clio Trophy France Asphalte programme

Since Clio Rally5 debut in 2020, the Clio Trophy France Asphalte has been an ideal springboard for young hopefuls, experienced drivers and amateur competitors to battle on the finest stages of the French Rally Championship. Once again this year, the service park will be a mix of quality and quantity, with over 30 crews already entered or have announced their intention to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Fotia, Romain Di-Fante, Thomas Chauffray and Benjamin Stirling.

Runner-up to Benjamin Stirling last year, Benjamin Barnouin is among the favourites, as are Yoan Corberand and Arthur Pelamourgues, respectively third and Jean Ragnotti Power Stage Trophy winner in 2023. Victorious in Antibes and the Coeur de France, the former will nevertheless have to win on new roads as these two rounds have given way to the Vosges and Cévennes on the calendar, while his two rivals will be chasing a maiden success which they seem ever closer to achieving.

While there's no doubting the speed of this trio, many well-known contenders, like Romain Fostier and Julien Deslauriers, should also join the title fight. Other drivers, including Jean-Claude Pietri, Samuel Lay, Martin Massé, Amaury Facchinetti and Thomas Santiago, are eager to build on last year's success and aim for the top spots.

The Junior category welcomes a new crop of young hopefuls determined to make their mark this season. Corsica's Marc Pompei is one to watch out for on his mainland France debut, but Maxime Dojat, Néo Rivallant, Robin Mercier and Romain Misiek also look to shake up the hierarchy. In the face of this youth movement, experienced drivers like Anthony Diel, David Jeanne and Jérôme Janny will draw on their experience to liven up the action in a field that includes many of France's leading rallying teams.

The competition will also be intense in the Gentlemen's category, where Willy Mathey, Franck Giraud and Philippe Janvier look to succeed the newly retired Mike Souvigné. However, these three have to be wary of Frédéric Misiek and Jean-Pierre Lejeune, who is keen to show his progress right from the start of his campaign in the Vosges. On the Women's side, Charlotte Olea will be in action, whilst several other competitors have announced their intention to join the battle to succeed Margot Dupuy.

In one month, the crews - whose number is sure to increase! - will meet in Le Touquet to embark on a season in which they will be guaranteed strict equality by Alpine Racing, with technical support, a prize-money system and services unrivalled at this level of the pyramid. To prepare themselves in the best possible way, they are all welcome to participate in the Rally Days organised on 2 and 3 March at Viré to try out their Clio Rally5s with the support of Alpine Racing and Michelin technicians.

On the sporting front, the Clio Trophy France Asphalte will retain the same format as last year, with the top 30 finishers and the ten fastest drivers in the Jean Ragnotti Power Stage rewarded in points. The four best results will count towards the final general classification. The main change will be aesthetic, with the adoption of the new, even more assertive and elegant styling of the fifth-generation Clio.

With the support of longstanding partners Castrol, Michelin and Sabelt, Renault will continue its commitment to the most promising young drivers. After Anthony Fotia (2020), Romain Di-Fante (2021), Tom Pieri (2022), and soon Benjamin Stirling, the best Junior at the end of the season will be offered an official programme in 2025, managed by the winning structure in the team classification.

For more information about the Clio Trophy France Asphalte in 2024, click here.

2024 Clio Trophy France Asphalte calendar

14-16 March: Rallye Le Touquet Pas de Calais

14-16 June: Rallye Vosges Grand Est

4-6 July: Rallye Aveyron Rouergue Occitanie

5-7 September: Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine

24-26 October: Critérium des Cévennes