Rally / 11 October 2012

Civic Type R crew take the lead in overall Championship in La R?union

Whilst Honda customers won?t be competing at the Intercontinental Rally Challenge this week, it doesn?t mean that the Honda colours aren?t being defended somewhere else in the world. Indeed, let?s talk about the pairing of Mamisoa Rajo?l-Muriel Rajo?l, who late last month took their 3rd Group R victory in the ?Rallye 1000 Km?, the 4th leg of the La R?union Rally Championship.
The result means they are now leading the provisional rankings ? ahead of more powerful 4WD cars!

By no means was it an easy victory. After a troubled start, the Honda crew found themselves lying 30 seconds behind their most important rivals. But Mamisoa and co-driver Muriel Rajo?l picked up the gauntlet to try and catch them.

?We decided to attack as hard as possible and after the fourth Special Stage, we came within breathing distance of the Group R leaders. It was a shame that they had a puncture, because despite our victory, we?ll never know if we could have clinched the lead in an open race.?

Because of the puncture, Sunday never saw an intense battle for the lead, as the Rajo?l team decided wisely to adopt a slower pace towards the end of the race: ?We were in control and wanted to win the Group R and keep our chances for the Championship intact.?

Marc Vandeghen, General Manager of ELR, which provides technical support to the Rajo?l team, was full of praise for their achievements: ?Whilst the standings are provisional, it?s a great morale boost for the troops. A 2litre Honda leading the overall R?union Rally Championship! Not bad eh??

The next meeting will be the penultimate Rally Bourbon (9-11 November) and the final race, the Rally National, will take place on 8-9 December.

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