Belgian Patrick Van Mechelen (Ford Fiesta Mk7) won the 1st Heat of the French RCE round at Essay from his compatriot Koen Pauwels (Ford Focus Mk2). Fastest French driver was Alain Heu (Citroën C4) on 3rd place, French 1993 ERC winner Jean-Luc Pailler bagged 4th place, and Briton Kevin Procter (Ford Focus Mk2) finished 5th.