Rallye Neige et Glace
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The 70th Rallye Neige et Glace, held on 22-26 February, proved to be an exhilarating and challenging event that lived up to its reputation as one of the most demanding winter rallies in Europe. This year’s edition, organised by Zoulou Racing Heritage, featured a significantly revamped route and format, offering participants and spectators a fresh experience.
Often runners-up, Guino Kenis and Aswin Pyck, won the Historic Category in their BMW 325i
Covering over 1000 kilometres across the picturesque regions of Haut-Doubs, Doubs, and Jura, the rally was divided into four distinct stages, each presenting its own set of challenges and surprises. The opening stage set the tone, with four Regularity Zones (ZR), including three entirely new ones. A “ZR Show” near Pontarlier allowed spectators to get close to the action.
Monday’s stage took competitors through the heart of the Jura region, featuring 10 ZRs that alternated between familiar routes and new “forest ZRs.” These shorter, forest-based tests were designed to challenge drivers regardless of weather conditions, showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery the Jura has to offer. Only seventh over the day, Bernard Figuière and Cédric Pirotte nevertheless retained the overall lead in their BMW 325ixs.
Having won the event in 2020, 2022 and 2023, local heroes Romuald Sanseigne and Florin Fornasier (Fiat Cinquecento) won a number of stages outright, but a navigation error on day 2 denied them a podium place, though they enjoyed themselves on the snow on the final day to come back up to a sixth place Photos Appix Media & Cyrille Donier
Tuesday’s stage was the most gruelling, with 18 ZRs spread over 430kms. This marathon stage pushed teams to their limits, culminating in a night section through the Forêt de la Joux. After posting the best performance of Stage 2, Gérard Mongin and Teddy Ballet’s beautiful Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205 began to wreak havoc on the leading BMW 325ix group, moving up to third place in the provisional category standings. Figuière and Pirotte nevertheless remained in the lead going into the final day, with a 17.7-point advantage over Daniel Georges and Delphine Acker, who regretted the penalty they had incurred on day 1.
With snow only arriving on the final day, Daniel Georges and Delphine Acker led a trio of BMW BMW 325ix home in the Integrale Category
The final day brought unexpected drama. After days of varied weather, snow finally made its appearance, adding a true winter rally atmosphere to the proceedings. The stage included a marathon 36 km ZR and concluded with a new “Power ZR” featuring double points, ensuring that the competition remained fierce until the very end.
Read the full report in our April 2025 issue…
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