Former F1 driver Stéphane Sarrazin was presented the Inmarsat Star of the Rally this weekend on his third WRC event, and his twelfth ever competitive rally.   

The Frenchman wowed the WRC fans with a 4th place overall in Rally Catalunya, which also follows an impressive two finishes in Germany (9th) and Corsica (6th). Stéphane Sarrazin, driving for Subaru Rally Team France, has made an impressive switch from circuit racing and F1 testing to become a force to be reckoned with in his first year behind the wheel of a rally car.  In 2002, Sarrazin was test driver for Toyota F1 and prior to that with the Prost Grand Prix team. Nicky Grist, former co-driver and head of the panel of judges explains: “Stéphane is a man of true versatility.  This rally, he has shown he is by no means just an F1 test driver, he really can drive a rally car.  The guy has without doubt put in an exceptional performance in difficult conditions.”

Commenting on his Inmarsat Star trophy win, the Frenchman said: “I am so proud to win this [award]; it makes a great rally for me even better.  To be Inmarsat Star of the Rally is a true honour, especially so soon in my rally career and on only my third ever WRC event.”   In his first rally season, Stéphane Sarrazin has also been competing in the French Rally Championship, where he has had six out of six podiums (including three wins).