Video: Stéphane Consani – Maxime Vilmot, France’s next WRC star?

Few days ago I tweeted about the retirement of Sebastien Loeb and the apparent rise of the new ruler (of them all), Sebastien Ogier. It seemed only appropriate to ask who might be the next bright star of French rallying, making it’s first steps in the World Rally Championship in coming years. Because, Sebastien Ogier will also need an heir some day, if he ends up conquering the world as a new Loeb. Now, this is the phrase I am sure he would approve with the steeliest of steely gazes.

Two names were suggested, one of them is Stéphane Consani. I got lucky with the very first video I stumbled upon – Stéphane and co-driver Maxime Vilmot on stages of Rallye Montagne Noire in 2012, driving their Citroën DS3 R3.

You won’t regret watching this video. I love the driving and I love the camera angle, but this crew also has some skill in them. Stages are great, my favourite (as a couch spectator, of course) is the foggy, wet, downhill one – takes some balls to tackle at speed.

So, this one is about what Stéphane Consani and Maxime Vilmot can do behind the wheel. For next “issue” I’ll look for video covering another suggested French crew. And then, I could be running an article or two about these and other promising young arrivals. Until then!

Stéphane Consani – Maxime Vilmot website