After many uncertainties and ups and downs due the global health crisis context and postponed to early September, the Tour Auto Optic 2000 cars were finally displayed at the Grand Palais on Monday 31 August. They officially hit the road on Tuesday September 1 from the Linas Montlhéry circuit. Definite feat of the Peter Auto organization, but above all courage of the participants, including those arriving from afar, taking turns and detours to participate in this… Tour! They had to trust, but even if for some of them the adventure ended before the final finish, they were rewarded. This crazy week will indeed have allowed its participants to finally find their beautiful mounts again to cover 1986 km through the most beautiful French landscapes. A unique moment paced by encounters, emotions but above all passion, that of the automobile.
On Saturday 5th September after a special road stage at Mont Ventoux and a circuit session on the Paul Ricard layout, the competitors crossed the finishing arch. The 29thTour Auto Optic 2ooo was over and time for truth had come. Who were the winners?
In the Competition section, the winner’s name was familiar to the rally regulars. Already on the podium top stem in 2017 and 2018, Raphaël Favaro scored his third success together with co-driver Lucien-Charles Nicolet. Change of partner, Lotus Elan replaced by 1962 3.8-litre E-Type Jaguar had no effect on Favaro’s quest of victory – hats off!
In the Regularity section, a family duo was on the topmost step of the podium. Aboard a Ford Mustang, Jean-François and François Nicoules, who had already racked up three victories in the Tour Auto Optic 2ooo (Jean-François’ first win in 2012 and victories together in 2013 and 2015). They formed a redoubtable pairing, the father-son alliance proving to be a winning combination that gave them a fourth victory to add to their Tour Auto Optic 2ooo’s laurels. – congratulations! Complete general classifications here.
“Thank you time has arrived: to all participants in the event 29th staging who answered the challenge in this very special context, as well as to our partners faithful partners for their loyalty. We will neither forget the French authorities –prefectures and town halls, whose help enabled this rolling open air museum to cross the whole of France while respecting the health measures in force. An amazing caravan which, judging by the public along the roads, remains very successful.”
Report by peterauto.peter.fr
Photos by Mathieu Bonnevie
