Past WRC2 event winner Eric Camilli says he will not be contesting the World Rally Championship’s second-tier category this year.
The former M-Sport driver will instead switch his attention towards a full campaign in the French Tarmac Championship in 2023, with a view to returning to the international stage next season.
Camilli, who has one outright WRC stage win to his name, was in Monte Carlo for the opening round of the season working as part of the ice crew for WRC2 competitor Alejandro Cachón but conceded that he wouldn’t be taking the start for himself until at least next year.
“This year I am doing the ice crew for a crew in WRC2, Alejandro Cachón, a young Spanish guy, a good guy, so this year I am coaching and taking care of him,” Camilli told DirtFish. “We did two days of tests and tried to do my best for him to open this rally well.
“[But] this year there will unfortunately be no WRC2 for me. It will be the French championship, so at least there is good news as there are nine strong races so with Citroen I will compete there, so I am really happy and proud.
“But unfortunately, no World Rally Championship.”
Camilli last contested the French Tarmac Championship in 2021, finishing third in the standings courtesy of three podiums which included a victory on the Rallye Aveyron Rouergue Occitanie.
He hopes that a successful domestic campaign in France can act as the launchpad to step back up to WRC2, helped no end by perennial front-runner Yoann Bonato, who will also be driving a Citroën C3 Rally2.
“For sure I think in the career in rallying you need the opportunities,” Camilli said.
“So, this time I didn’t get the good one for a comeback to stay in WRC2, but I will do my best in the French championship to train well and be back in ’24, I hope.
“At least in the French championship the level is very strong and high with Yoann so he will train me very well to be able to be ready for next season.”
