Thie Tour Auto 2002 is underway after a superb array of cars gathered in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower on Monday.
They've now departed on the 64th Tour Auto. The provisional five-leg route has left Paris heading to Biarritz via across Vichy, Avignon, Andorra and Toulouse.
This is a more leisurely tour than some previous events with average speeds brought down to make it a more of a cruise.
Special stages will take in some French motor racing circuits including Magny Cours, Charade, Ledenon and Nogaro.
Many thanks to PH reader Frank Pandolfi for these pictures.
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