70th Turckheim Hillclimb preview: French championship contenders gather

The 70th edition of the Turckheim hillclimb will serve as the penultimate round of the French hillclimb championship in 2026, with the nearly 6 km Alsatian course set to host a competitive field across multiple categories. The event marks a milestone anniversary for one of Europe's most prestigious hillclimb competitions.

Among the headline contenders, Maxime Dojat (France) will pilot his Nova NP 01-2 C Honda Turbo in pursuit of his first overall victory at the event. He faces stiff opposition from fellow Frenchman Sebastien Jacqmin, also driving a Nova NP 01-2 Honda Turbo in the 3-litre E2-SC sportprototype class, who has impressed throughout the season. Swiss driver Joel Volluz will bring his distinctive Norma M20FC Judd Evo C to the grid, while Belgian Corentin Starck (Nova NP 01-2 C Honda Turbo) and Frenchman Cedric Lansard (Osella PA27 Cosworth) are also expected to challenge for top positions.

In the 2-litre E2-SC category, Marc Pernot (France) arrives as the already-crowned French hillclimb champion, driving his Nova NP 01-2 C Hartley Turbo. Young Swiss driver Victor Darbellay (Nova NP 01-2 Hartley Turbo) and French competitor Mylenia Machado (Revolt 2P0 Hartley Turbo) will also contest this class. The 2-litre formula car grid features Romain Pezot (France, Tatuus Formula Master F2 Honda) as a leading favourite following his recent victory at Mont Dore, alongside veteran Stephane Baudin (Tatuus Formula Master F2 Honda) and Pierre Mayeur (Martini MK69 Evo BMW).

The 2-litre CN class is densely populated with contenders including Tom Diebold (France, Norma M20F Honda), Guillaume Jean (Norma M20FC Honda), Yohan Bardin (Norma M20FC Honda), Yannick Latreille (Norma M20FC Honda), Freddy Cadot (Norma M20FC Honda), and Jennifer La Monica (Norma M20FC Honda). Additional competitors span multiple categories and nationalities, with drivers from Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, and France represented across the entry list.