French Drift Championship: Round 3 at Val de Vienne

The third round of the French Drift Championship got underway under sunny skies. The drivers were eager to put in their best runs on the track, and the atmosphere was really top-notch. The organisers had done an excellent job in preparing for this event, and it was clear that the discipline is growing year on year as it becomes more professional. As for the spectators, they were treated to some crazy sessions and impressive demonstrations.

The participants had the opportunity to test their vehicles during the qualifying sessions. Drivers such as Jason Banet, the reigning champion, and Mathias Locatelli, one of his main rivals for the 2024 title, drew the crowds as championship favourites.

Mathias Lacatelli gave us the pleasure of getting behind the wheel of our M2 to show us what drifting is all about! And wow, as you'll see in the video at the end of this article, as they say, "it's a shaker, no debate"... It was amazing to see how quickly he adapted to a new car and the different track conditions. Even Mathias admitted that our BMW behaved well for drifting despite a chassis preparation not adapted to drifting.

Then it was time for even more thrills, with Médéric riding as a passenger with Jonathan Priart in his swapped M50 turbocharged BMW Serie 1 with around 700bhp. After a few hard slides, we unfortunately suffered a broken gearbox that stopped us in the middle of the track.

After returning to the paddocks, Médéric went up for a few laps with Sofiane Yazid in his BMW E30 equipped with an m50 b30 engine, which unfortunately also broke down.

In order to showcase all the sponsors over the weekend, the organisers let us do a few laps of the track in the form of a parade, so that the public could get a feel for the players who make the championship possible.

Qualifying is always a decisive moment for the drivers in the competition. Every run counts, every slide and change of trajectory, and the pressure is palpable. The drivers had to show their strategy and mastery to qualify for the finals. Times were tight, and any mistake could have had serious consequences.

Mathias Locatelli impressed the public by finishing first in qualifying. His fluid driving style and precise drifting techniques set him apart. However, other drivers, such as Sofiane and Jason, were also on form, making the competition even more intense.

The qualifying rounds

Saturday was devoted to the elimination phases, where the drivers faced off in spectacular duels. Spectators were in raptures as the cars slid through the bends at breakneck speed. Each duel was a demonstration of skill, courage and passion.

The final was the highlight of the weekend, with some incredible duels between the top drivers. Mathias Locatelli and Jason Bannet were the headliners, and the suspense was at its peak. Spectators held their breath as the drivers battled it out for the championship title.

In a twist of fate, Jason encountered mechanical problems, which paved the way for Mathias to take the win. He made the most of the opportunity and went on to win, consolidating his position at the top of the championship just a few points ahead of Jason.

Conclusion: A memorable French Drift Championship

The third round of the French Drift Championship at Val de Vienne was a memorable event, full of action, passion and competition. The drivers put in some incredible performances, and the spectators witnessed an unforgettable spectacle. As the season continues, all eyes are on the next rounds, where the drivers will battle it out for the coveted title.

Stay tuned for more news and analysis from the French Drift Championship, as 2024 promises to be even more exciting!