ALPINE A290 RALLYE TROPHY HEADS TO ROUEGUE FOR MID-SEASON SHOWDOWN

THIRD ROUND OF THE ALL-ELECTRIC SERIES BRINGS TITLE FIGHT TO THE FRENCH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

The Alpine A290 Rallye Trophy reaches the halfway point of its inaugural season this weekend as competitors head to the Rallye Rouergue Rodez Aveyron Occitanie, the third round of the one-make electric rally series.

Run alongside the French Rally Championship, the event presents another demanding test with high-grip asphalt roads, technical stages and expected summer temperatures, offering a new challenge for crews chasing championship points before the mid-season break.

Championship leaders Melvin Rabilloud and Enzo Mahinc arrive in Aveyron looking to strengthen their position after opening the season with victory at Le Touquet. However, their advantage was reduced following the previous round in the Vosges, where Aymeric Lenoir and Florian Hosson claimed their first victory of the season.

"The third round marks an important stage in the championship as crews look to build momentum before the summer break."

Consistency has kept Denis Ridel and Gaëtan Debec firmly in the title fight with two podium finishes from the opening rounds, while Pascal Janel and Jean-Pascal Berger aim to continue their steady progress after improving their results throughout the season.

Experienced local knowledge could benefit Philippe Janvier and Julie Derory, while Benoît Mouquet, now partnered by Christelle Martiaux, will look to climb the standings.

The all-female crew of Emma Chalvin and Amandine Borderie return after retiring in the Vosges and will be aiming to move back into the championship's top five. They will again compete alongside Turkish pairing Nazan Zorlu and Ozhan Ciplak, who continue gaining experience in the series.

NEW CREWS JOIN THE FIELD

The Rouergue event also welcomes new faces to the championship.

Sandro Negre, who finished fifth in the inaugural Alpine A290 Rallye Trophy, returns for his first appearance of the season alongside new co-driver Corentin Landon.

The event also features the second edition of the Alpine A290 Rallye VIP programme. Following the previous outing with Julien Ingrassia and Emma Bonnemort, French motorsport publication AUTOhebdo will experience the championship from inside the cockpit.

Rally journalist Pierre Barré will make his competitive debut in the Alpine A290 Rallye VIP, co-driven by experienced navigator Gilles de Turckheim.

"The Alpine A290 Rallye VIP programme continues by giving AUTOhebdo an opportunity to experience the championship from inside the rally car."

RECORD DISTANCE FOR THE ELECTRIC RALLY SERIES

Competitors will tackle the longest route yet seen in the Alpine A290 Rallye Trophy, covering 13 special stages and 132.786 competitive kilometres.

Friday's itinerary features three loops of Espalion–Lassouts (14.751 km) and Vimenet (9.207 km).

Saturday includes three passes each over Laissac (9.456 km) and Lévézou (10.398 km) before the rally concludes with the 1.350 km Rodez city stage.

The three fastest drivers on each of the final six special stages will score additional Performer Points, while Alpine Racing will continue providing technical support, sustainable charging infrastructure, Michelin tyres and spare parts service throughout the event.

The season also offers competitors a share of €236,000 in prize money and awards, including an official Alpine Racing programme for the championship winner.

Key Points

• The Alpine A290 Rallye Trophy reaches Round 3 at Rallye Rouergue Rodez Aveyron Occitanie.

• The event marks the halfway point of the championship.

• Melvin Rabilloud and Enzo Mahinc lead the standings entering the rally.

• Aymeric Lenoir and Florian Hosson arrive after their first victory of the season.

• Sandro Negre returns for his first appearance of 2026.

• AUTOhebdo joins the Alpine A290 Rallye VIP programme with Pierre Barré and Gilles de Turckheim.

• The rally features a record route of 13 stages and 132.786 competitive kilometres.

• Alpine Racing continues providing technical support, charging solutions and Michelin tyres.

Entry list

#e1 Melvin Rabilloud – Enzo Mahinc (Fun Meca Sport / Alpine Store Annecy)

#e2 Denis Ridel – Gaëtan Debec (RDL Développement)

#e3 Aymeric Lenoir – Florian Hosson (FK Express / Alpine Store Calais)

#e4 Pascal Janel – Jean-Pascal Berger (BTEC Team Race School Consulting)

#e5 Emma Chalvin – Amandine Borderie (Rageau Sport Location / Alpine Store Mantes-Le-Vexin)

#e6 Benoît Mouquet – Christelle Martiaux (FK Express / Alpine Store Calais)

#e7 Sandro Negre – Corentin Landon (FK Express / Alpine Store Calais)

#e8 Philippe Janvier – Julie Derory (David Auto Compétition / Alpine Store Clermont-Ferrand)

#e9 Pierre Barré – Gilles de Turckheim (Alpine A290 Rallye VIP)*

#e10 Nazan Zorlu – Ozhan Ciplak (Chazel Technologie Course / Alpine Store Nîmes)