Delecour returns to action - in a Dacia Logan

20th July 2011

By Charlie Contadeli

Legend Francois Delecour was back competing on a rally in Romania last week – in a 100bhp Dacia Logan.

The former factory Ford, Mitsubishi and Peugeot world championship star was taking part on the Sibiu Rally, an all-gravel contest that counted as an Intercontinental Rally Challenge Supporter Event in 2010.

Delecour’s Logan ran in standard trim, albeit with a few modifications, such as a reinforced clutch and Bilstein dampers. The car cost 15,000 Euros and is eligible for the one-make Logan Trophy. Delecour was in action at the behest of his Romanian backer who funded his Monte Carlo Rally outing back in May.

“I really, really enjoyed myself,” said the 48-year-old Delecour who won his class in 14th overall. “It reminded me of when I was younger, doing the Peugeot 205 Cup. I actually couldn't believe how strong the car was, it may be small but you can push it so hard; even though you have to keep the heater fan on in order to stop the engine from overheating! It was 50 degrees inside the car but I didn't care: I was enjoying myself too much.

“Obviously up the hills it struggles, but then downhill I was pushing like a madman! I thought that for sure I was going to run out of brakes but actually I didn't. The standard of driving was high too: these were young kids who were really hungry. Like I said, it reminded me of my youth!”

Delecour was offered the choice of a Clio R3 or a Logan for the event but opted for the Dacia because I felt the competition would be higher in the Logan Trophy.

Gergo Szabo, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer, won the event from Marco Tempestini in a Peugeot 207. Ex-Production Car world championship driver Simone Campedelli was fourth at the wheel of a Citroen DS3 R3.