Bryan Bouffier in seventh position with the Proton Satria Neo S2000 after day 1 Rallye Antibes 2008

zp p 298 bouffier 2 Bryan Bouffier in seventh position with the Proton Satria Neo S2000 after day 1 Rallye Antibes 2008

After day 1 of the Rallye Antibes - Cote d'Azur Bryan Bouffier lies seventh on the competitive debut of the Mellors Elliot Motorsport Proton S2000.

It had been a bit of a fraught day though, with the car suffering from a down on power engine, punctures and having to be pushed into the first service. He was down in 36th position at one stage but fought back to finish the day in 7th.

Bouffier commented at the first service:

We drive without power in the engine and it’s difficult in this type of road. But we hope that the team is going to repair it during the service.”

Meanwhile, Luca Rossetti has been crowned the new European champion today. His only two rivals for the crown Travaglia and Solowow couldn't deprive him today. Travaglia failed to start while Solowow finished behind Rossetti today meaning Rossetti has won the title as was awarded three extra bonus points for finishing as top ERC runner after day one.

Nicolas Vouilloz leads the rally in his Peugeot Sport 207 ahead of team-mate Stephane Sarrazin with ERC champ Rossetti 3rd.

Day One Standings:

1. Nicolas Vouilloz/Nicolas Klinger (F) Peugeot 207 S2000 50.02,8
2. Stephane Sarrazin/Jacques-Julien Renucci (F) Peugeot 207 S2000 +20,4
3. Luca Rossetti/Matteo Chiarcossi (I) Peugeot 207 S2000 +34,6
4. Michał Sołowow/Maciej Baran (PL) Peugeot 207 S2000 +1.16,5
5. Volkan Isik/Kaan Özsenler (TR) Fiat Punto Abath S2000 +2.31,1
6. Krum Donczew/Stojko Walczew (BG) Peugeot 207 S2000 +2.39,1
7. Bryan Bouffier/Xavier Panseri (F) Proton Satria Neo S2000 +3.57,0
8. Dominique Bruyneel/Jean-Charles Descapms (B/F) Subaru Impreza N14+4.39,6
9. Frederic Papavero/Frederic Hoffmann (F) Renault Clio R3 +5.08,7 (1. A7)
10. Antonin Tlustak/Jan Skaloud (CZ) Citroen C2 S1600 +5.12,5 (1. A6)

The new Proton:

zp p 298 bouffier 1 Bryan Bouffier in seventh position with the Proton Satria Neo S2000 after day 1 Rallye Antibes 2008