Raphaël Astier Clinches French Two-Wheel Drive Rally Championship in Alpine A110 Rally

In an exhilarating season of motorsport, Raphaël Astier, the celebrated FIA R-GT Cup title-holder, has once again demonstrated his remarkable driving prowess by securing the French Two-Wheel Drive Rally Championship at the wheel of the formidable Alpine A110 Rally. Astier's triumph was sealed with a dazzling performance at the Critérium des Cévennes, where he impressively outpaced several four-wheel drive Rally2 competitors to finish third overall.

This victory is particularly significant for Alpine, marking yet another milestone in its illustrious history. Since rejoining rally racing in 2020, the Alpine A110 Rally has rapidly established itself as a dominant force in the sport, claiming three French Championship titles and two international crowns in the FIA R-GT Cup.

Alpine's success wasn't limited to Astier's achievements. The brand celebrated multiple victories over the weekend, with Armand Fumal's win at the WRC Central European Rally and Sergio Pinto's triumph at the Rallye International du Valais. These results further underscore Alpine's dominance in the world of rally racing.

For Astier, the road to the championship was marked by consistent excellence. Partnered with co-driver Valentin Suchet, Astier showcased his skill and agility in navigating the challenging courses. Their strategy paid off, with Astier leading his category from the start and skillfully avoiding course hazards. His title hopes were further boosted when his main rival, Styve Juif, retired, allowing Astier to control his pace and secure the championship.

This year holds special significance for Alpine, as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its World Rally Championship title. The A110 Rally, expertly crafted by Signatech, has dominated the French Rally Championship, winning 27 of 28 events in the last four seasons. Astier joins the ranks of Manu Guigou and Cédric Robert as champions behind the wheel of this legendary car.

Alpine's 2023 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, with the brand clinching the two-wheel drive podium in seven of the eight rounds. The brand's ethos, shaped by founder Jean Rédélé, continues to resonate with its recent category domination at the Rallye International du Valais.

As the season draws to a close, Astier is set to celebrate his title at the upcoming Rallye du Var. This event will also be the finale for the third edition of the Alpine Elf Rally Trophy, capping off a remarkable year for both Astier and Alpine in the world of rally racing.

Reflecting on his achievement, Astier acknowledged the challenge he set for himself after winning the FIA R-GT Cup last year. His goal was to surpass the expertise of Cédric, a benchmark in rally racing and knowledge of the Alpine. Astier's strategy, centered around tire choices and car optimization, paid off, earning him the championship. He extends his gratitude to the CHL Sport Auto team, his co-drivers, and partners who have supported him throughout this triumphant season.