Star driver: RallyRACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada

Yoann Bonato
1st overall
It’s been a long time in the making but, after 15 FIA European Rally Championship starts, Bonato has finally got the victory he so desperately wanted. 

His Spanish performance was clinical. After losing some ground to champion Efrén Llarena in the opening test, Bonato had reeled in his rival within just a couple of stages and was never headed after taking the lead on SS3.

He eventually finished 13.8sec clear of Llarena with the breakthrough win vaulting him from ninth in the championship standings up to third – an impressive performance, having only entered half of the season’s events.

Efrén Llarena
2nd overall
With the championship secured, Llarena had no reason to take any major risks. He also admitted to only having recovered ‘90 per cent’ from his heavy shunt last time out at Barum Czech Rally Zlín. But these were Llarena’s home roads - of course he wanted to win. 

Things ultimately didn’t go the Spaniard’s way at some points and at times he was unlucky to be caught in patches of rain. Despite that, Llarena kept the pressure on Bonato and was the only other driver to win any stages.

Javier Pardo
3rd overall
The 2022 season has been all about learning for Pardo - and he’s certainly made some big improvements. Last weekend marked the Team MRF Tyres driver’s maiden ERC podium and he secured second in the championship at the same time.

Laurent Pellier
5th overall, 1st in ERC4
We all knew Pellier was quick - but his performance in Spain really was something else. The Frenchman posted stage times which simply shouldn’t have been possible with his front-wheel drive Opel Corsa Rally4 and regularly outpaced several Rally2 competitors.

Although Pellier - who was crowned Junior ERC champion in Zlín - missed out on the ERC4 drivers’ crown, his result helped secure the co-drivers’ title for his wingwoman Marine Pelamourgues.

Óscar Palomo
12th overall, 4th in ERC4
At just 19 years old, Palomo has proved he’s got a mature head on his shoulders. Heading into the event, the Spaniard knew a top-five class finish would be enough to secure the ERC4 title. 

With that in mind, Palomo measured his pace to perfection. He picked his battles wisely and brought the car home in one piece to get the job done. A worthy champion.