The seventh event of the French Hill Climbing event was held in the beautiful Loue Valley region in the heart of the Jura. This Vuillafans-Echevannes race, on 30 June and 1 July, took place in nerve-racking weather conditions. The stifling heat on the trials day indeed changed into a huge downpour on the following day. In this difficult race where big fast curves follow places where the drivers have to brake a lot, the latter had to make the most of their talent to climb the hill in adherence conditions they weren't able to test in the trials.
In this championship, Motul is providing its support to two drivers: Nicolas Schatz, title holder, and Sébastien Petit, regularly well placed since the beginning of the season. In Vuillafans, Schatz clinched the best time in the first climb after changing the car's tuning and fitting rain tyres. 'I tried to attack while trying to be submissive to get the 500 hp to stick to the ground, which is not always easy in these conditions...' Meanwhile, Sébastien Petit secured third time.
These positions remained unchanged because the event was stopped before the third climb. The storm indeed caused swirling water that could cause dangerous aquaplaning.
Schatz therefore remains in the lead of the championship, followed by Petit who is the first of the Protos category. The next event will take place in the Haute-Loire on 21 and 22 July in Dunières.
Results
01// Nicolas Schatz, Reynard 99 - Motul
02// Alban Thomas, Lola B99/50
03// Sébastien Petit, Norma M20 BMW - Motul
Standings
01// Nicolas Schatz, 215 pts - Motul
02// Sébastien Petit, 211 pts (1er Protos) - Motul
03// Alban Thomas, 184 pts
Photo credit: Schatz Competition
