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““It’sIt’s beenbeen a fantasticfantastic eventevent andand toto winwin anotheranother FIAFIA titletitle atat thethe endend ofof itit reallyreally isis thethe icingicing oonn thethe cake”cake” - HarryHarry Hunt,Hunt, PWRCPWRC RallyRally Australia,Australia, pgpg 4.4.

The world’s only free dedicated rally eMagazine - every week! Contents IIssuessue 201201 • 1818 SeptemberSeptember 20112011 0044 STARTSTART RAMPRAMP 04 Start Ramp - News Shorts

0066 SERVICESERVICE PARKPARK 06 Unfamiliar tunes for Idols fi nalists 07 Hunting for trophies in Africa 07 BRC’s “Open Day” praised 08 Half a baker’s dozen 09 92,000 fans were at Coffs Coast

1100 PARCPARC FERMEFERME 10 SARC Toyota Cape Dealer Rally preview 12 IRC Rallye Sanremo preview

EEDITORIALDITORIAL INFORMATIONINFORMATION CCONTACTONTACT Editor Evan Rothman E-mail us [email protected] Call us +27 83 452 6892 Surf us http://wp.me/pkXc

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+27 11 670 08400 www.ats-motorsport.co.za Team News Event News Start Ramp Videos Breaking News ‘zero’ car, while donations will be Volkswagen Mikkelsen made to worthy causes nominated by Perthshire and Stirlingshire councils. adds more tests praised in IRC “It’s quite appropriate that I’ll be driving the Legacy as it is 20 years Words: Staff Writer Words: Staff Writer since Colin won his fi rst British title and 30 years since I won my fi rst British At the Rally of Spain, the has been praised title,” said Jimmy McRae. “The Legacy penultimate round of the FIA following his standout performance was a big car to throw around the (20 - 23 on last week’s Canon Mecsek Rallye, forests but the memories that people October 2011), the factory team will despite crashing out of the lead of will have of it with Colin at the wheel, again fi eld two Škoda Fabia S2000 the Intercontinental Rally Challenge sideways, and that very distinctive cars. At the wheel: the German (IRC) round. engine note should hopefully put a smile duo Christian Riedemann/Michael The Skoda UK-backed driver on quite a few faces.” Wenzel and the Spanish pairing was two stages from the fi nish when he Rally of Scotland is based in Yeray Lemes/Rogelio Peñate. skated off the road on a patch of loose Perth from 7 - 9 October. H&H The team headed by Volkswagen gravel. He had led from the opening Motorsport Director Kris Nissen is stage of the event and set a number pursuing two aims at this run: fi rstly of impressive stage times in the Fabia the careful preparation for the Super 2000 he shares with fellow Hunt is PWRC entry of the Polo R WRC from 2013 Norwegian Ola Floene. on, and secondly the evaluation Skoda Motorsport boss Michal of young drivers who would like Hrabanek, whose driver Jan Kopecky 2WD Champion to recommend themselves for the took victory in Hungary following Words: Staff Writer climb up into the top class of rally Mikkelsen’s crash, said: “This event was racing. very dramatic until the end. We are very Briton has won the FIA “Our trial runs in Finland sorry for Andreas because he was so Production Car Cup for Drivers of and the German Rally have already near achieving a great result.” 2WD Cars following his run to 20th provided us with important fi ndings with Kopecky added: “Andreas overall on Rally Australia. respect to the fi elding of the vehicles, certainly deserved to win here, because London-based Harry, who won the organisation of the teams and the he was fastest of all of us. On the other three international rally titles in 2010, related logistics. Every WRC round has hand, we had good luck, one of the captured the 2WD award on the back of its own characteristics though – this things you need in rallying.” victories in Portugal, Argentina and now makes it particularly important to gather Speaking about his crash, Australia. specifi c experiences,” says Volkswagen Mikkelsen said: “We had the perfect “It’s been a fantastic event and Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “In weekend up until stage 13. We had to win another FIA title at the end of Spain we will again be running with led from the start but when we hit the it really is the icing on the cake,” said two young driver pairings: Christian gravel there was no grip at all and we Harry. “Okay, the competition might Riedemann and Michael Wenzel did a slid off the road in sixth gear and hit a not have been so fi erce throughout the good job at their home round and now tree.” H&H season, but it’s another championship have the chance to show their potential for me and for the team.” on gravel. Yeray Lemes and his co- Harry, 23, put in a stellar effort driver Rogelio Peñate on the other hand behind the wheel of his Citroen DS3 R3 are hopefuls and highly motivated to Colin McRae to fi nish ninth overall in the Production compete in front of a home audience. Car World Rally Championship (PWRC) For our team the main focus is not so Vision partners section of the New South Wales event, much on the sporting result but on which handed him his fi rst points in the fi nishing the entire rally in order to with IRC Rally main PWRC division. It represented a gather as much experience as possible.” gritty comeback after he lost 12min For the 23-year-old Christian of Scotland when his car’s engine ingested too much Riedemann this will be the second run in water on a crossing and faltered on the Volkswagen factory team. Together Words: Staff Writer Friday’s opening leg. with his co-driver Michael Wenzel he Hunt will be back in action on took third place at the German Rally in The Colin McRae Vision Rallye Sanremo, in Italy, from 22 the Super 2000 category and was also charity’s association with the - 24 September, Round Nine of the the best German in the large fi eld. The Intercontinental Rally Challenge Intercontinental Rally Challenge. H&H duo has to “switch gears” for its run in will be widened on RACMSA Rally Spain. Whereas the German rally around of Scotland in October after the two Trier was held mostly on tarmac the organisations joined forces for the Catalonian WRC event around the small penultimate event of the 2011 IRC coastal town Salou additionally features season. several gravel tracks. This is the type Colin McRae Vision, a charity of terrain on which Riedemann’s team created to support underprivileged colleague Yeray Lemes feels particularly children around the world, has worked comfortable. The 24-year-old from in partnership with the IRC since June Lanzarote won the 2009 Spanish Rally 2010. In addition to several fundraising Championship on gravel and in addition initiatives, the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out the JWRC junior class at last year’s WRC Trophy is presented on all rounds of the round. Lemes, whose enthusiasm for the series to the driver whose performance sport was inspired by Carlos Sainz’ WRC best embodies the spirit of the rallying exploits, is currently competing in the so legend. called WRC Academy with his co-driver Several activities are planned Rogelio Peñate and is ranking in fourth during the rally to raise awareness place overall. H&H of Colin McRae Vision: Jimmy McRae, Colin’s father, will drive his son’s famous Legacy as a course-opening click>> read >> enjoy

your insight into the world of rallying http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com Interviews Profi les Service Park Features Technical

Unfamiliar tunes for Idols fi nalists Words: Staff Writer after completing a few fl ying laps with Wilken, Pictures: Brett Lefrere he admitted that music will remain his chosen career. “I don’t know how he does it,” was his They are masters when it comes to making summary of the adrenaline fi lled minute. music, but the crisp sound of a Fiesta Freddy Van’Dango was less enthusiastic. S2000 rallycar’s engine at full tilt was an “How fast is this thing?” he wanted to know. unfamiliar tune for SA’s remaining Idols The answer is that a top S2000 rallycar such fi nalists. as the Basil Read bizhub Fiesta is only geared The last six standing were recently for around 170km/h, so it doesn’t have the top treated to a once in a lifetime opportunity when speed of a supercar, but the secret lies in the they were strapped into the passenger seat of car’s ability to put its 200kW down on the road the Basil Read bizhub rallycar through its very advanced four wheel drive with top South African rallydriver Charl Wilken system, resulting in blistering acceleration. behind the wheel. The venue was the dynamic On the short handling track of the Gerotek handling track at the world renowned Gerotek vehicle testing facility, it easily reaches its top vehicle testing facility just west of Pretoria. speed, and the cornering speeds are simply “It’s not nearly as scary as a proper breathtaking. Freddy’s reaction after surviving rally stage on dirt,” commented Wilken before his the run was testimony of this. He got down on fi rst passenger was strapped in. “The tar is a lot his knees and kissed the ground! more predictable, but if you are not used to it, it Wilken, who is currently still in will still be a scary ride.” contention for the 2011 South African Rally Wilken’s words proved to be true when Championship was full of praise for the bunch his fi rst passenger, Lefa Pike emerged with his of singers. “Sure they were scared and nervous, hands shaking. The usually vocal musician could but I’d be nervous too if someone stuck a only utter: “This is insane!” Dave van Vuuren microphone in my face and told me to sing, so was a lot more enthusiastic, adding that he it’s better that we all stick to what we do! I wish loves cars just about as much as music, but them all the best of luck.” H&H Issue 201 • 18 September 2011 • Page 07

Hunting for trophies in Africa for 2011 Words: Staff Writer Picture: Handbrakes & Hairpins

To take up a challenge is to not only an attempt to win a contest but to also face a daunting situation that tests one’s abilities. Motorsport enthusiasts regard classic rallying as a form of the sport as exciting and dramatic as its modern day counterparts, where the classic machines are pitted against man and nature in marathon-like events. The jewel in this sport’s crown is the East African Safari Classic Rally, a staggering nine-day event that winds and snakes its way through Kenya’s most scenic landscapes and over the gravel roads that marked this event as the most trying in the 2002 World Rally Championship season. Running from 9 to 28 November, crews will face 10-hour days strapped inside their rally weapons as they take on three long special stages each day. These timed sections are linked with open road liaison routes that together will test these purpose-built cars to the limits of their endurance. As if the conditions and route offi cials have mapped out in Kenya are not enough of a challenge, former WRC Champions Bjorn Waldegard and Stig Blomqvist have entered in Ford Escorts. With extensive experience not only in rallying in East Africa, but with tried and tested Fords, these two drivers offer the stiffest competition for their rivals. Also on the entry list are Steve Perez (leading British Historic Rally Championship competitor, Dakar legend Gregoire de Mevius, Ian Duncan, the brilliant Porsche 911s from Tuthill Porsche in the UK and USA’s BRC’s “Open Day” praised action sports star Travis Pastrana. Words: Staff Writer However, like the current season of Pictures: Jakob Ebrey Photography WRC in which Sebastien Loeb and Citroën are dominating once more and Ford The Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship’s annual Open have highlighted that underdogs are never to day signed on over eighty people for demonstration runs in the be discounted. In this regard, two teams from assembled cars from an excellent array of teams large and small. South Africa have entered Volkswagen Golf Mk Is There was a real buzz at the cosy Curborough Sprint circuit to take on the East African Safari Classic Rally. near Lichfi eld, as Citroën Racing, M-Sport. Peugeot Sport, Sport Sisters Lola and Megan Verlaque, Technologies, Autosport Technology, Monster Sport Europe, CA1 Sport, 586 popular rallying fi gures in Africa, will crew one Sport, Eurorallye, RPM Performance, JAM Motorsport, Pirelli UK, Revolution of the cars with the second machine piloted Wheels plus representatives from the BRC events all turned out to support by Steve Attwell (father of Zimbabwean rally the event. ace Chase) and Eddie Verlaque (father of the Potential customers from all corners of Great Britain and Ireland “rally chicks” who is himself a highly acclaimed attended, along with interested crews from Switzerland, Italy, France and personality in African rallying circles). The team Holland, all keen to sample the cars and see what the 2012 MSA British Rally is preparing the Golfs to 1970s specifi cation to Championship has to offer. meet the requirements of the rally, and with Mark Taylor, BRC Manager: “I would like to personally thank to all their extensive competition experience in Kenya those who attended, teams, competitors, events and suppliers. Without their cars are sure to be amongst the favourite support from everyone involved we could not have put on such a great for overall honours come 28 November’s Podium event. It really bodes well for the future of the British Rally Championship Cerermony. and BRC Challenge.” The Verlaques invite businesses, Andrew Coley, competitor and Eurosport IRC commentator: “The brands and individuals to show their support in open day was fantastic. Well organised, friendly, and as title, open! All the this prestigious event by offering sponsorship teams/manufacturers very happy to discuss plans and offer runs out in the opportunities. cars. I had a run in Twingo R1 and R2, Fiesta MS1 and R2, Clio R3, DS3 R3 Contact Evan Rothman at and 207RC R3, which Peugeot also kindly allowed me to drive.” [email protected] or via +2783456892. Andrew Wheatley, M-Sport Business Development Manager: “Thanks for the huge effort that the BRC team put into making the Open Day on Friday a success. It was professionally run – with a strong turn-out of both teams and potential drivers and was a credit to the BRC.” Carl Naylor, Pirelli Motorsport Manager UK: “The day was hugely successful, I think all that attended have a much better understanding of what to expect in 2012.” H&H Issue 201 • 18 September 2011 • Page 08

Half a baker’s dozen for BRC in 2012 Words: Staff Writer agreed with the organising committee to leave Picture: Jakob Ebrey Photography the summer date available for a potential return in 2013.” The 2012 MSA British Rally Championship “Mindful of the ongoing economic will feature six classic events in England, situation, we believe that a six-round Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland championship is a good short-term move. Along These will include a mix of one and two-day with the switch to two-wheel-drive, this will events on asphalt and on gravel. further help reduce costs towards participating in Rallye Sunseeker International will once the 2012 British Rally Championship.” again host the opening round of the MSA British So that competitors and teams can Rally Championship. Based in Bournemouth and give something back to their sponsors, BRC Poole, this well-organised gravel event features organisers have decided to use the summer slot a high profi le promotional start and a compact to run a dedicated promotional event. Further one-day route and therefore, provides an details will be announced before the start of the excellent way to kick-start to the new season. season. A visit to the forests of North Wales and Cumbria takes up the next two rounds. Both the 2012 MSA BRC Calendar: Bulldog International Rally North Wales and the 24/25 Feb – Rallye Sunseeker Int’l – (Gravel) Pirelli International Rally will run two-day, 100- 30/31 Mar – Bulldog Int’l Rally (Gravel) mile gravel surface formats that provide a real 27/28 Apr – Pirelli Int’l Rally (Gravel) test for competitors. 1/2 Jun – Jim Clark Int’l Rally (Asphalt) The surface then changes to asphalt, 17/18 Aug – Int’l Todds Leap Rally NI (Asphalt) with a visit to Duns and the Scottish Borders for 28/29 Sept – Int’l Rally Yorkshire (Gravel) the Jim Clark International Rally. The BRC then heads across the Irish Sea to Northern Ireland New for 2012: for Todds Leap International Rally NI. 9 Feb – Media Day The season fi nale, International Rally 22 Jul – Sponsors Live Day Yorkshire, will return to a two-day format in 2012 and will again be based in the seaside Hosted by the British Rally Championship, these town of Scarborough. It will use the classic promotional days are designed to provide the North Yorkshire Moors forests of Dalby, Cropton opportunity for teams and competitors to launch and Langdale, therefore providing the perfect their championship campaigns to the UK and showdown to decide the 2012 MSA British Rally foreign media. The events can also be used to Champions. entertain sponsors and partners, providing teams With six rather than seven events, the with the opportunity to entertain their guests biggest change to the calendar is the resting with a once in a lifetime ride in a rally car. of International Rally Isle of Man, formerly the For more information on the Dulux Trade MSA Manx Rally, for next year. British Rally Championship visit Championship Manger Mark Taylor http://www.rallybrc.co.uk. H&H said: “We are keen for Rally Isle of Man to plug MMediaedia the gap in the summer calendar which left DDashboardashboard the championship feeling fractured this year. Click to view However, despite the event being currently unable to commit to its return in 2012, we have Issue 201 • 18 September 2011 • Page 09

92,000 fans were at Coffs Coast Words: Staff Writer with our partners in State and local government Picture: Handbrakes & Hairpins and the Championship organisers. We would like to be back here in 2013, which is the fi rst The Coffs Coast of New South Wales hosted available opportunity, and then annually in order the most successful round of Rally Australia to maximise the potential of our supporters and in the event’s 21-year history, according to partners and of our organising team.” the fi nal attendance total announced this Mr Masi said the strongest factor week. infl uencing Rally Australia’s future had been the The World Rally Championship event, quality of the welcome from the Coffs Coast which fi nished last Sunday, attracted 92,223 community. people over three days and three nights to “Everywhere the teams and other ticketed and non-ticketed venues, surpassing the visiting internationals went they were crowds at previous events in Western Australia overwhelmed by the warmth of the welcome. and the NSW Northern Rivers. There is clearly a great rally heritage in this Rally Australia General Manager Michael region, with memories of the legendary Southern Masi said this week the event’s success had Cross International rally still fresh and the provided strong momentum to negotiate for a roads were described by drivers such as Mikko return in 2013 and beyond. Hirvonen as among the best in the rally world.” “Now that we’ve had a few days to Mr Masi said he was grateful for the catch up on the fi nal attendance fi gures and comments of World Rally Championship Manager the general reaction, it’s clear we are in a great Michelle Mouton, a legendary fi gure in world position to secure a longer-term place in the rallying, reported on http://www.wrc.com FIA World Rally Championship,” Mr Masi said. She was reported saying during her visit from “The fi nal attendance total of 92,223 – including France: “I have been happily surprised by the repeat visits by multiple-day pass holders - is number of people attending the ceremonial start signifi cantly beyond the initial fi gure of 86,000 and the people at the autograph session before we disclosed on the morning after the rally. It’s the rally was incredible. The organisation has also well above our expectations for this fi rst been good on this event and they have a good event on the Coffs Coast, but we need to do base for the event here. For me, this event was MMediaedia still more analysis and planning and there are very positive - the promotion has been very DDashboardashboard quite a few steps ahead before we could possibly good. In the newspapers, all they talk about is Click to view announce further dates. Rally Australia will put the rally.” H&H together a business plan and discuss the options Event Reports Parc Ferme Results

To the Cape of Storms Words: Staff Writer Polo S2000) 95 and 2010 runner-up Johnny Pictures: Evan Rothman/Handbrakes & Hairpins Gemmell (Castrol Toyota Auris S2000) 93. Houghton leads the Co-Drivers’ Can anyone beat Cronje and Houghton to Championship with 106 points as Rautenbach’s the title of South African Rally Champions team-mate Nicolas Klinger competes on a French in 2011? That’s the question being asked license. The South African has a seven-point by the fans as the high-speed world of lead over fellow countryman and defending co- gravel special stage rallying focuses on drivers’ champion Guy Hodgson, with Gemmell’s the Western Cape this weekend, 23 and Scottish co-driver Drew Sturrock third on 96 24 September, for the penultimate round points. of what has been a tightly contested Any one of the top four contenders, as competition. well as at least another four, all competing in The answer is a defi nite “Yes!”, but the premier S2000 Class for four-wheel drive their rivals are going to have to raise their game cars, are capable of winning one of the season’s considerably in the Toyota Cape Dealer Rally, most popular and enjoyable events run in the which starts at McCarthy Toyota in Table View at picturesque wheat and canola fi elds around 13h00. Malmesbury and Hopefi eld. Although Pretoria residents Cronje Gemmell, a former kart champion, and Houghton have won the last three rounds and Sturrock, have proved to be Cronje and of the Championship in their Sasol Ford Fiesta Houghton’s strongest rivals and have three and racked up more stage wins than any other second places and a third to their credit together combination – 24 so far, 14 in the last three with seven stage wins. A maiden win for the events – Cronje leads the Drivers’ Championship factory pair is very much on the cards. by a slim four points from Zimbabwe’s Conrad Castrol Toyota team-mates Leeroy MMediaedia Rautenbach (Green Fuel Ford Fiesta S2000) Poulter/Elvéne Coetzee have already scored DDashboardashboard while just 11 points cover the top four drivers. a win, in the Sasol Rally in April, in their fi rst Cronje has 104 points, Rautenbach 100, season together in the premier Class. The rookie defending champion Enzo Kuun (BP Volkswagen driver has eight stage wins to his credit to date, Issue 201 • 18 September 2011 • Page 11

but will be looking for a lot more and Pitchford, are tenth in the fourth BP and new co-driver Hilton Auffray (BP consistent results in the last two rounds Volkswagen Polo S2000. Volkswagen Polo S1400) and Henk to improve his current ninth place in the Making up the top ten Lategan (Q8 Oils Volkswagen Polo points standings. among the drivers are Nicholas Ryan S1400), who is just two points in Charl Wilken and Greg Godrich (GrandMark International Volkswagen arrears. (Basil Read/bizhub Ford Fiesta S2000) Polo S2000) in fi fth place and Jon Lategan’s co-driver, Pierre are also potential winners after two Williams (Sasol Ford Fiesta S2000) with Jordaan, leads the Co-Drivers’ second place fi nishes and 13 stage wins, four stage wins in seventh place. Championship by a single point from but two successive non-fi nishes have The Two Wheel Drive Verlaque’s original co-driver, Lirene hurt their championship chances and Championship for the S1600 and S1400 du Plessis, who is not competing this they are down in eighth place. Classes is building up to an equally weekend. In another change, Lategan Kuun leads a strong four-car exciting climax with 19 points covering will this weekend be partnered by Barry factory BP Volkswagen challenge that the top four drivers. Topping the log are White. includes former champions Hergen brother and sister Christoff and Celeste The Toyota Cape Dealer Rally Fekken and Pierre Arries, currently sixth Snyders (S1600 Sabertek Volkswagen will cover a route of some 198km of and fourth in the championship, who Polo), who enjoy a slim six-point lead special stages over the two days. There rather surprisingly have not fi nished over former champions Craig Trott/ will be two gravel stages in the Hopefi eld higher than fourth to date, but who Robbie Coetzee (Total Toyota RunX area on Friday 23 September covering should not be discounted. Former S1600). about 50km and two tar stages at champions Jan Habig/Robert Paisley in Both these crews can expect Killarney (14km and 5km). The event the third BP Volkswagen Polo are out strong competition from Guy Botterill/ restarts on Saturday 24 September of contention for the Championship in Schalk van Heerden (S1600 Yato Tools at 08h00 and there will be four gravel an unfamiliar 13th place after failing to Toyota RunX) and Ashley Haigh-Smith stages in the Malmesbury area plus a fi nish three of the events. They, too, are and non-scoring British co-driver James fi nal 14km tar stage at Killarney. H&H capable of pulling off an upset victory. Aldridge (S1600 React Ford Fiesta). Former national circuit and Botterill and Haigh-Smith are joint fourth off-road champion and 2009 Dakar in the Championship on 84 points and Rally winner Giniel de Villiers, in his fi rst are not yet out of contention. season of national championship rallying The battle for Class S1400 and co-driven by fellow Dakar veteran honours is expected to be between and former off-road champion Ralph championship leader Megan Verlaque Issue 201 • 18 September 2011 • Page 12

Sanremo calls IRC regulars to action Words: Staff Writer characterised by fast and fl owing sections, Pictures: IRC Media frequent changes of rhythm, and blind and open corners with rapid climbs and descents A thrilling contest is in store when Rallye commonplace. The ability to fi nd the optimum Sanremo hosts the fi nal all-asphalt event of ‘racing’ line and maintain a high level of speed the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge are essential for recording competitive stage (IRC) season this weekend. times. Based in the Italian Riviera town on the Road surfaces are predominantly shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea, the event is smooth, albeit with some sections of broken a modern-day classic with the dramatic action asphalt. The tests on Day Two are known for contained within a 29-hour window on the tricky providing better grip than on Day One. The and narrow mountain roads of Italy’s Liguria undulating nature of the roads places a great province overlooking Sanremo. strain on the cars with the engine, transmission Friday’s (23 September) itinerary and brakes all being subjected to heavy features seven stages over a competitive punishment. distance of 116.09km with the fi rst stage, In addition to the main IRC, Rallye Coldirodi, getting underway shortly before 14h00 Sanremo forms the ninth rounds of the IRC local time. Following two more stages crews Production Cup and the IRC 2WD Cup. However, return to Sanremo for the seafront service before the event no longer forms part of the Italian tackling a further three runs, including repeats of Rally Championship schedule as part of a Coldirodi and Bignone. rotation system. After a three-hour regroup and service Sixteen S2000 cars will do battle in Sanremo – famed for its casino, delightful on Rallye Sanremo with title chasers Bryan bars and tempting restaurants – the challenge Bouffi er, Juho Hanninen, Jan Kopecky, Freddy intensifi es with the Ronde stage, a 44km Loix, Andreas Mikkelsen and ultimate test of car and crew, which is effectively all appearing on the entry list. However, an amalgamation of the Coldirodi, Apricale and Hanninen’s participation has still to be confi rmed Bignone tests. Run at night, the route is often by his Skoda Motorsport team due to his other subjected to changeable weather conditions with commitments with the Czech manufacturer. rain a constant menace, meaning tyre choice is If the Finn, the defending IRC crucial for recording a top stage time. Champion, does skip the event then team- The action resumes on Saturday mates Kopecky and Loix are likely to capitalise. morning (24 September) with two loops of three Kopecky opened up a 17-point lead in the IRC stages in the hills of Langan, Teglio and D’oggia standings with victory on the last round, the totalling 109.68 competitive kilometres and split Canon Mecsek Rallye in Hungary, while Loix is MMediaedia by a service halt in Sanremo. The fi rst crew well-placed in the title reckoning when dropped DDashboardashboard is due to reach fi nal service and the fi nish in scores are considered. Sanremo at 18h13 local time on Saturday. IRC rules allow drivers to count their The Rallye Sanremo stages are best seven scores only. Having fi nished in Issue 201 • 18 September 2011 • Page 13

the points on seven events this year, a tweak to its line-up with Australian Sanremo with defending champion Harry Kopecky will have to begin dropping being drafted in to Hunt, current title leader Jean-Michel scores from now on. Loix, meanwhile, replace Swede PG Andersson. Atkinson, Raoux, and Sandro Sottile, who won has only scored on six rounds so far. who is based over the border in nearby the IRC 2WD Cup section in Sanremo Thierry Neuville heads the Monte Carlo, took part on the IRC last season in his Honda Civic Type R, Peugeot challenge in his Team Peugeot season-opener in the principality with all competing. Stefano Albertini, the Belgium-Luxembourg 207 and is full of Proton and has achieved considerable category winner on the last two rounds confi dence following his second place success this season with the Malaysian in Czech Republic and Hungary, will be fi nish in Hungary earlier this month. manufacturer in the Asia Pacifi c Rally capable of running at the front, as will With previous Sanremo experience Championship. Italian Giandomenico Honda driver Martin Kangur and Italian – plus a test near the rally route last Basso, another former Sanremo winner, Elwis Chentre, who switches to a SKODA Monday – to count on, Neuville has high pilots the team’s second Satria Neo Fabia R2. Belgian Cedric Cherain and hopes of claiming his second win of the S2000 and will be out to impress. Frenchman Mathieu Arzeno will also be season. TGS Worldwide’s Toni quick as will Pierre-Antoine Guglielmi, Bryan Bouffi er will be one of Gardemeister has been a model of who won the IRC 2WD Cup section in several Peugeot runners determined consistency this season, scoring points Corsica back in May. H&H to do likewise. The Peugeot France on all seven rounds he’s contested so far ace won January’s Rallye Monte-Carlo in his Fabia S2000. The Finn has a prior EVENT ESSENTIALS and has the ability to replicate that knowledge of the Sanremo stages and Event: Rallye Sanremo form in Italy. Peugeot UK triumphed in plenty of speed to match. Rising Italian Base: Sanremo, Italy Sanremo with Kris Meeke in 2009 and star Umberto Scandola was quick in Starts: Friday 23 September would relish a repeat success with Guy Sanremo last season and will be a threat Finishes: Saturday 24 September Wilks, who replaced Meeke in the squad again this year in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta Entries received: 59 for the 2011 season. Peugeot Sport S2000. IRC appearances: Four Portugal’s Bruno Magalhaes will also be a Swiss Florian Gonon returns 2010 winners: Paolo Andreucci/Anna contender. to IRC Production Cup action bidding Andreussi () Pierre Campana will make his for his third win in his . Surface: Asphalt IRC return in Sanremo at the wheel With a 25-point margin over his closest Number of stages: 13 of the Munaretto-run Peugeot 207 he rivals, Gonon could strengthen his grip Special stage distance: 225.77km took to fourth overall on May’s Tour de on the inaugural IRC Production Cup title Liaison distance: 298.33km Corse-E.Leclerc. The French ace has a with a strong result in Sanremo. Italian Total distance: 524.10km strong record in Sanremo having won Marco Cavigioli will have other ideas in the IRC 2WD Cup class there in 2009. his Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer as he looks Max Settembrini is also back on to make the most of the momentum IRC duty for the fi rst time since Corsica. generated by contesting the last two Like Campana, the Italian veteran will events. Johan Heloise, from France, will be at the wheel of a 207, which is also pilot an Impreza for Top Run Motorsport the car of choice of Swiss Gregoire of Italy, while Irishman Eamonn Boland Hotz, a newcomer to the IRC in 2011, and Italian Corrado Perino complete the and Italian Alessandro Perico, a former competitive entry in their Lancers. Sanremo winner. The big guns of the IRC 2WD Proton Motorsports has made Cup will be out in force on Rallye