By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Lotus Returns To Goodwood Festival Of Speed With A Bold Celebration Of Its Past, Present And Future
    July 10, 2025
    Alpine celebrates its 70th anniversary with world and UK debuts at Goodwood
    July 10, 2025
    Maserati MCPURA: the essence of performance debuts at Goodwood
    July 10, 2025
    IAA MOBILITY 2025 Announces Powerful Lineup of Partners and Sponsors
    June 26, 2025
    BMW and Alvaro Barrington celebrate hydrogen mobility at Art Basel in Basel 2025
    June 18, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW CE 04
    July 3, 2025
    Desmo450 MX: Production of the first Ducati Motocross bike begins
    May 28, 2025
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    From Left to Right: Dr Sizwe Nxasana (CEO: Sifiso EdTech), Lutho Kota (Director: e-Teaching & e-Learning- Eastern Cape Department of Education, Nandi Matomela (Acting Department Executive: Corporate Affairs- Isuzu Motors South Africa), Helma Boggenpoel (Principal - Astra Primary), Mawonga Blou (Circuit Manager: Astra) and Allan Kanold, Group Metal Working Fluid Specialist – LPR Group
    Isuzu Motors South Africa unveils State-of-the-Art AI, Coding & Robotics Centre at Astra Primary School
    July 24, 2025
    Major Dealer Investment Signals Strong Confidence in Ford Network
    July 24, 2025
    Chery South Africa unveils updated Tiggo 7 
    July 24, 2025
    Plant Kariega celebrates a strong year as the Home of Polo
    July 23, 2025
    JETOUR SOUTH AFRICA AWARDED GOLD STATUS IN 2025 NADA DSI SURVEY
    July 15, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    Mercedes-AMG presents the CONCEPT AMG GT XX
    June 25, 2025
    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveils liquid hydrogen-fueled “GR LH2 Racing Concept” at Le Mans
    June 11, 2025
    FIAT unveils the manifesto Grande Panda 4×4
    May 20, 2025
    Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept makes its global debut at Roland-Garros 2025
    May 16, 2025
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
  • Interviews
    InterviewsShow More
    24-hour race at Le Mans, the Nürburgring and Spa – triple marathon for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport
    June 10, 2025
    Kosmas “Dudie” Mamaloukos – The Formidable Racing Talent
    May 15, 2025
    Hi-Range Safari City
    Hi-Range Safari City – The Premier outfitter for 4×4 customization
    May 15, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES: ARCHIE RUTHERFORD ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THE W2RC TO SOUTH AFRICA
    May 9, 2025
    Europe and China’s automotive future in a shifting global order
    May 5, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    The Kia EV5: an authentic SUV powering Kia’s electrification vision
    July 8, 2025
    Polestar 4 wins the 2025 Mille Miglia Green
    June 27, 2025
    IONIQ 5 N Earns Coveted ‘Five-Star Car’ Accolade at 2025 Autocar Awards
    June 26, 2025
    Polestar 3 OTA update introduces new Abbey Road Studios Mode exclusively for Bowers & Wilkins audio system
    June 18, 2025
    No Compromise Ford Ranger PHEV Brings Electric Power to Europe’s Best-Selling Pickup
    June 18, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    Lamborghini claims first IMSA GTD victory of the year at Mosport
    July 15, 2025
    HINO ALREADY PREPARING FOR 2026 DAKAR RALLY
    July 11, 2025
    Ducati team returns to the track at Donington for the seventh round of the 2025 WorldSBK season
    July 10, 2025
    Nissan Formula E Team heads to Berlin for penultimate race weekend of Season 11
    July 10, 2025
    A legend returns to Le Mans: Škoda Sport back on the famous circuit after 75 years
    July 8, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    Daimler Truck Global Parts Center officially opened
    July 10, 2025
    MAN celebrates 70 years of tradition and modernity at its Munich plant
    July 3, 2025
    Tata Motors strengthens presence in Qatar with the launch of all-new LPO 1622 bus
    June 26, 2025
    Scania launches MCS rapid charging solution at EVS38
    June 18, 2025
    Daimler Truck and Volvo Group launch Coretura
    June 17, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    New Opel Mokka more striking than ever
    July 24, 2025
    THE NEW FERRARI AMALFI
    July 9, 2025
    Ferrari 296 Speciale: driving thrills reach new heights
    July 9, 2025
    Introducing the Land Cruiser Hybrid 48V: a new powertrain for Toyota’s legendary SUV
    June 23, 2025
    THE NEW HAVAL H6 SUV IS HERE, AND IT’S BUILT FOR BIG MOMENTS!
    June 18, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Stellantis and 4screen Enhance In-Car Convenience with Real-Time, Location-Based Mobility Services
    July 24, 2025
    Gaming fun on the go: Audi integrates AirConsole
    June 26, 2025
    New Kia App provides European drivers with a unified digital experience
    June 17, 2025
    Abbey Road Studios Mode makes global debut in Volvo EX90
    June 17, 2025
    Audi develops the picking process of the future
    June 2, 2025
Hot News
Isuzu Motors South Africa unveils State-of-the-Art AI, Coding & Robotics Centre at Astra Primary School
Major Dealer Investment Signals Strong Confidence in Ford Network
Stellantis and 4screen Enhance In-Car Convenience with Real-Time, Location-Based Mobility Services
Chery South Africa unveils updated Tiggo 7 
New Opel Mokka more striking than ever
Auto Shows

Chery unveils HIMLA brand at 2025 Shanghai Auto Show

Latest News

Hyundai Motor Reports September 2024 Global Sales

Latest News

THE LE MANS COLLECTION – CELEBRATING SHARED HISTORY

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 30 Years of Automotive Innovation in Silicon Valley (Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
Latest NewsTechnology

Mercedes-Benz celebrates 30 Years of Automotive Innovation in Silicon Valley

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Motosport

Astier and Fontalba star in Antibes

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: May 20, 2025 11:05
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
257 Views
7 Min Read
Share
7 Min Read
SHARE
  • Rallye Antibes Côte d’Azur hosted round two of the Alpine ELF Rally Trophy within the French Tarmac Rally Championship.
  • GT+ class winners Raphaël Astier and Denis Giraudet also took the top spot in the two-wheel drive category and finished third overall.
  • Victorious in the RGT class, Grégory Fontalba and Stephan Hermet now lead the general classification heading into Rallye Vosges Grand Est.

Three weeks after the start of their campaign, the Alpine ELF Rally Trophy competitors gathered in Antibes, where the A-arrow brand caused a sensation in 2021 by winning outright with Nicolas Ciamin and Maxime Martini.

Contents
ASTIER GETS HIS REVENGEFONTALBA COMES UP BIG36 AND COUNTING!

ASTIER GETS HIS REVENGE

Chasing big points after retiring from Rallye Rhône Charbonnières, Raphaël Astier set the pace on Saturday. After posting the fastest time in SS1, the CHL Sport Auto driver made the most of the A110 Rallye GT+’s qualities to run the table before it began to rain in the early afternoon. Pierre Roché broke the leader’s streak on the second run through Gréolières, but Raphaël Astier regained the upper hand in the following timed sectors.

- Advertisement -
Ad image

In contention for a fantastic overall result, Raphaël Astier continued his offensive on Sunday, setting the fastest times in Levens – Saint-Jean-la-Rivière, La Bollène – Turini – Peïra Cava and La Cabanette – Col de Braus. Navigated by Denis Giraudet, Raphaël Astier repeated his performance in the final loop, marked by Pierre Roché’s crash, and sealed his first victory in the trophy since the 2021 Rallye d’Antibes Côte d’Azur.

FONTALBA COMES UP BIG

Winner in the RGT class reserved for the A110 Rally at Rallye Rhône-Charbonnières, Grégory Fontalba continued his impressive form in Antibes. The VIP Enjolras driver initially claimed the top spot ahead of Florian Bernardi, who suffered a mechanical failure in SS2, and then Mireille Vidueira.

However, the 2023 French Women’s Rally Champion turned the tide in the afternoon and took the lead after perfectly anticipating the rain. On Sunday, the Swiss driver resumed her battle with Grégory Fontalba, but her hopes were dashed when she left the road on SS8.

Back in the lead, Grégory Fontalba controlled his pace to secure his second win of the season ahead of Florian Bernardi, who confirmed his promising debut with five stage wins. With this victory, Grégory Fontalba now leads Raphaël Astier and Pierre Roché by ten points in the Alpine ELF Rally Trophy.

36 AND COUNTING!

Third overall and RGT winner, Raphaël Astier also took top honours in the French Two-Wheel Drive Rally Championship. The Frenchman secured the brand’s 36th consecutive victory in the competition, extending a streak that began in July 2021. Ludovic Godard – Alexis Maillefert and Cédric Robert – Matthieu Duval finished first and second in the Michelin Premium Trophy, completing the 2WD podium dominated by the Alpine A110 Rallye GT+.

The next round for the Alpine Elf Rally Trophy competitors is next month for a new event on the discipline’s calendar: Rallye Vosges Grand Est (13-15 June).

Raphaël Astier: “This victory is a great result for us in the trophy after our misfortune at Rallye Rhône Charbonnières. It’s also nice to get Alpine back on the overall podium, especially seeing how much Rally2 has evolved in recent years. The target was at least a top-five finish, but we had to deal with tricky conditions, which made tyre choices difficult on Saturday. Despite everything, we set several fastest times throughout the rally, including three in a row on Sunday afternoon. We limited the damage when it mattered and still enjoy driving this car as much as ever.”

Grégory Fontalba: “It was a tricky rally. On Saturday, the rain came, and we made the wrong tyre choice, leaving us in second place at the end of the first day. On Sunday morning, we went back on the attack to retake the lead, but Mireille’s crash allowed us to ease off a little and secure the points for the win, as we know they will be valuable at the end of the year. I also discovered a new battle companion in Florian Bernardi, who drove well and showed great potential this weekend. He will be a tough opponent, and it will be hard to stay ahead of him, but we will do everything we can to do so. See you in the Vosges!”

Florian Bernardi: “Despite the small setback on Saturday, when we had to stop due to a problem with the accessory belt, we got back on track on Sunday. The weather conditions didn’t necessarily help, with humidity in the morning, but it was an opportunity to drive the Alpine in these conditions, and we immediately felt confident. We put the hard tyres we had tried in testing and we took another step forward with the five RGT stage wins in five special stages. We’re gaining momentum, and everything looks good for the next rally!”

Rallye Antibes Côte d’Azur

1. Raphaël Astier – Denis Giraudet (GT+) 2h12m58.8s
2. Grégory Fontalba – Stephan Hermet (RGT) +11m54.1s
3. Florian Bernardi – Xavier Castex (RGT) +58m46.3s

Ret. Pierre Roché – Martine Roché (GT+)
Ret. Mireille Vidueira – Jeanne Rey (RGT) 

Alpine ELF Rallye Trophy provisional classifications

Overall

1. Grégory Fontalba 30 points
2. Raphaël Astier 20 points
3. Pierre Roché 20 points
4. Fabrice Bect 12 points
4. Florian Bernardi 12 points
6. Mireille Vidueira 10 points

GT+ class

1. Raphaël Astier 20 points
2. Pierre Roché 20 points

RGT class

1. Grégory Fontalba 40 points
2. Fabrice Bect 15 points
2. Florian Bernardi 15 points
4. Mireille Vidueira 12 points

TAGGED:Alpine Elf Rally TrophyDenis GiraudetGrégory FontalbaMaxime MartiniNicolas CiaminRallye Antibes Côte d'AzurRallye Rhône CharbonnièresRallye Vosges Grand-EstRaphaël AstierStephan Hermet

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Motosport

Godard ends the season with a first win in the Var

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
November 29, 2023
Motosport

2024 Alpine Elf Rally Trophy in the starting blocks

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 15, 2024
Motosport

Roché and Fontalba lead the way at Rallye Rhône-Charbonnières

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 28, 2025
Motosport

Another Premiere for Opel Corsa Rally Electric

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
June 15, 2023

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner