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SStarttart RampRamp Luca Rossetti set to star in IRC Geko SServiceervice ParkPark Ten questions to Matthew Wilson PParcarc FermeFerme Tropy-Raid LADOGA review

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The world’s only free dedicated rally eMagazine - every Friday! CContentsontents IIssuessue 187187 • 1717 JuneJune 20112011 0044 STARTSTART RAMPRAMP 04 Start Ramp - News Shorts

0066 SERVICESERVICE PARKPARK 06 Toyota appeals provisional results of TDG Rally 07 Ten questions to Matthew Wilson 08 Team Total takes on technical Gauteng Rally 09 Changes to route of Toyota 1000 Desert Race

1100 PARCPARC FERMEFERME 10 SARC Toyota Dealer Gauteng Rally review 12 Trophy-Raid LADOGA review 14 WRC Rally Greece 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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Contributors Liga Stirna, Tor Andre Borresen, Patrick Vermaak, RallyBuzz, Motorpics, Newspress. FOLLOW US! All content copyrighted property of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, 2007-11. This publication is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the editor. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information from sources and given to readers, the editor cannot accept responsibility for any inconvenience or damage that may arise therefrom.

Ferodo Racing Brake Pads just keep on winning!

Congratulations to the overall winners of all 4 SA rallies held thus far in 2011, all of them relied on Ferodo Racing brake pads.

Supplied in Southern Africa by ATS Motorsport Telephone +27 11 6708400 E-mail – [email protected] Website: www.ats-motorsport.co.za

Team News Event News SStarttart RampRamp Videos Breaking News ‘Mr 100 Per Cent” returns to the Ford issues IRC for Ypres Rally 2011 design challenge Words: Staff Writer the opponents are strong. But I trust in Words: Staff Writer Picture: IRC Series the qualities of my Grande Punto and in the professionalism of my team. I Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team Double European champion hope to do a good performance.” fans are being invited to choose Luca Rossetti will return to the Rossetti, whose last appearance unique roof artwork for works cars Intercontinental Rally Challenge in the IRC was on Rallye Sanremo in competing on next month’s Rally on next week’s Geko Ypres Rally in September 2010, will be co-driven by Finland. Belgium. regular navigator Matteo Chiarcossi. H&H The team is asking Facebook Rossetti, who became known followers to vote for three designs that as ‘Mr 100 Per Cent’ after claiming four will grace the Fiesta RS WRCs driven by wins from four starts in the IRC between Jari-Matti Latvala, Mikko Hirvonen and 2007 and 2008, will drive an Abarth Khalid Al Qassimi. Grande Punto Super 2000 on the all- “Up until now the Ford Abu asphalt event, which runs from 23-25 Dhabi Team Fiesta RS WRCs have simply June. featured the Ford logo,” said Will May, The fi rst of those victories Motorsport Marketing Manager for came in Ypres in 2007 when the Italian Ford of Europe. “So we’re inviting our clinched a momentous debut win at the Facebook followers to vote for one of wheel of a . several designs we’ve developed under “It’s a tough race, but it also one theme – which is ‘the food that fuels was one of the most important and you’. unforgettable of my career, the victory “We asked Jari-Matti, Mikko and of 2007 will always be in my heart,” said Khalid what is the fi rst thing they have the Italian star. “The location of this rally to eat or drink in the morning, the fuel is beautiful, many fans follow the race that gets them up and running. Jari- and I will be at the start to honour a Matti nominated coffee because he says rally that is one of the most important he cannot function without coffee fi rst in the world. I am aware that it will not thing! Mikko picked porridge because he be easy to get a positive result because loves to make it for his children when he’s not competing and Khalid chose his local mountain honey because it tastes delicious!” Gecko extends sponsorship of The team has commissioned three designs for each driver which can IRC’s Ypres Rally to 2014 be viewed now. The designs with the Words: Staff Writer believe the passion and team play of most “likes” will be applied to the Fiesta Picture: IRC Series rallying perfectly align with what we as RS WRCs they drive in Finland only. a company stand for. Linking with the Facebook followers have until the end of The Ypres Rally, which forms rally has brought us name recognition June to choose their favourite. round fi ve of the Intercontinental and commercial returns and that is one The winning designs are Rally Challenge next week, has of the main reasons why we want to guaranteed massive exposure. Rally been handed a big boost after title continue our sponsorship of the Geko Finland is one of the most popular events sponsor Geko Woonwereld extended Ypres Rally.” on the calendar and Ford’s Finnish duo its support of the asphalt event until Ypres Rally manager Alain enjoy huge support on this, their home 2014. Penasse said: “I am very happy to round. Last year Jari-Matti Latvala Geko, a Belgian-based furniture see that one of our loyal sponsors triumphed in Finland in a Focus RS WRC. and home accessories company, became is renewing his commitment. This Team-mate Hirvonen topped the podium title sponsor of the rally in 2009 on strengthens us in our beliefs that there in another Focus RS WRC in 2009. the back of a long-term involvement rallying offers a valuable commercial This year’s Rally Finland runs in the sport through its support of platform for sponsors, and at the same from July 28-30, 2011. To vote for your various drivers. It also sponsors Melissa time confi rms that the dedication of my favourite roof design, or to sign up to the Debackere, who will contest this year’s team is greatly respected by a sponsor team’s Facebook page on Ypres Rally in a Peugeot 207 Super 2000 like Geko.” http://www.facebook.com/FordWRC. H&H and is a regular in the Belgian national This year’s Geko Ypres Rally championship. runs from 23-25 June. H&H Wim Soenens of Geko Woonwereld said: “We teamed with the Ypres Rally two years ago as we

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Interviews Profi les SServiceervice PParkark Features Technical

Toyota appeals provisional results of Toyota Dealer Gauteng Rally

Words: Staff Writer before the penalties were imposed were: Picture: Evan Rothman 01) M. Cronje/R. Houghton Ford Fiesta - 01h 36m 55,9s The Toyota Dealer Gauteng Rally, 02) J. Gemmell/D. Sturrock fourth round of the South African Castrol Toyota Auris + 58,9s Rally Championship, ended in 03) C. Wilken/G. Godrich controversy at the RallyStar Ford Fiesta + 01m 30,3s Motorsport Academy near 04) E. Kuun/G. Hodgson Bapsfontein on Saturday afternoon VW Polo + 01m 36,8s after the actual results on the road 05) H. Fekken/P. Arries were affected by time penalties VW Polo + 02m 27,6s imposed by the Motorsport South 06) H. Lategan/J. Van der Merwe Africa (MSA) stewards on some Peugeot 207 + 03m 13,4s competitors for rules infringements. 07) L. Poulter/E. Coetzee Both Castrol Team Toyota Castrol Toyota Auris + 03m 42,6s entries were among those penalised and 08) V. du Plessis/G. Snyman Toyota has appealed these decisions. Peugeot 207 + 04m 29,0s The results of the two-day event remain 09) N. Ryan/A. Du Toit provisional until these appeals have been VW Polo + 04m 48,2s fi nalised. 10) J. Van Niekerk/S. Vacy-Lyle The actual results on the road VW Polo + 04m 57,9s H&H Issue 187 • 17 June 2011 • Page 07

Ten questions to Matthew Wilson Words: http://www.wrc.com Q: What was your favourite toy as a Q: What’s the most irritating thing Picture: Eva Kovkova kid? about your co-driver? MW: “Lego, defi nitely. I always loved MW: “Scott’s pretty laid-back so there’s M-Sport Stobart Ford driver Matthew making things and that hasn’t stopped nothing too irritating about him. But he Wilson is confi dent heading into now.” does have a habit of falling asleep pretty the rest of the world championship much anywhere, which is probably how season, said http://www.wrc.com. Q: Who would you least like to be he’s ended up with the nickname of ‘half Here he answers ten questions: sitting next to on a long-haul fl ight? man, half mattress’. At least he manages MW: “Good question. I reckon Howard to stay awake during the stages...” Q: Describe yourself in one word? Davies, who has been part of Ford’s MW: “Hmm...the key to these things weather crew: he’s a lovely guy but a Q: What do you like to do on a is not to think too much about the big boy who can talk for Wales - and Saturday night off? answers, isn’t it? okay, I’m going for you need a bit of space to stretch out on MW: “This is going to sound tragic, but fun.” these fl ights!” to be honest I just tend to stay in now that the season’s started. It’s so busy Q: Can you cook an omelette? Q: What’s the worst place you’ve these days that it’s great to have the MW: “Yes, but not very well. If I’m doing ever been to? chance to spend a Saturday evening at dinner, it’s never going to be exactly a MW: “Probably Breckenridge when I home when you can.” gastronomic experience.” went skiing in America. It’s in Colorado and like something out of Psycho.” Q: What’s your favourite stage? Q: What internet site do you go on MW: “I love all the stages in New most? Q: How well did you do at school? Zealand - they’re a driver’s paradise MW: “Don’t worry - it’s a clean one. To MW: “I suppose I was average. I did - and also Loch Ard in Scotland: an be fair, I do go on wrc.com a lot, just to okay and passed everything but I had absolutely awesome stage, which is very catch up on the news. Not to mention other things going on at the same time quick and fl owing.” H&H the other weird stuff they have on there, that were more interesting. I could have like this.” probably done a lot better. Issue 187 • 17 June 2011 • Page 08

Team Total takes on technical Gauteng Rally Words: Staff Writer event is, however, not in doubt and car stranded. Picture: Evan Rothman Cronje/Houghton will have a number The all-female Team Total of weeks to savour this victory before crew of Stefanie Hugo/Angela Shields Rally enthusiasts were treated to preparations for the following event on restarted Day Two under SA SupeRally a spectacular exhibition of driving the calendar on 15 - 16 July. rules after their Toyota RunX S1600 skill this weekend. Gravel speed The demanding nature of the abruptly stopped in SS4 on Day One. tests in and around Brakpan and rally saw Team Total, South Africa’s Attacking on Saturday’s opening stage, Bapsfontein, Gauteng, played host largest privateer outfi t, leave the event Hugo/Shields immediately gained on to Round Four of the South African with a mixed bag of results. Mohammed their Class S1600 rivals and bravely Rally Championship. The Toyota Moosa and Grant Martin (Team Total brought their car to the fi nish after Dealer Gauteng Rally, comprising Toyota RunX S2000) brought their setting a string of impressively quick 14 special stages and nearly 160 battle-weary machine across to the stage times. Their fellow competitors competitive kilometres, tested the fi nish 12th overall, after a hard-fought were once more shown the podium mettle of both crews and machinery. weekend’s rallying. This pairing gained potential of this duo. Mark Cronje and Robin in speed and confi dence throughout the Without a doubt, the Mr Houghton (Team SASOL Ford Fiesta event, posting increasingly faster stage Consistency title at this event goes to S2000) powered to their fi rst victory times. In fact, Moosa and Martin set top Craig Trott (Team Total Toyota RunX of the season with a winning margin fi ve stages times over the closing two S1600). Co-driven by Robbie Coetzee, of 01min 30.3sec. Charl Wilken/Greg stages of the event. the pairing took to Day One’s stages with Godrich (Basil Read/bizhub Ford Fiesta Class S2000 compatriots Jean caution and followed up his consistent S2000) fi nished second overall with Enzo –Pierre Damseaux and Carolyn Swan, yet assert driving with stage times that Kuun/Guy Hodgson (BP Volkswagen Polo who ended Day One in 12th position, were impressive. Trott/Coetzee fi nished Vivo S2000) completing the podium on jumped to tenth overall in the second fourth in Class and 17th overall. Saturday evening. Overall results for day’s opening stage. Building on this Follow Team Total on Facebook this event were provisional on Saturday pace, Damseaux/Swan gained on their at http://on.fb.me/mopw6O and on night as rally stewards, organisers and rivals but saw their rally end after stage Twitter at http://bit.ly/jBLu4j. representatives were locked in meetings ten. Damseaux was forced to retire the to hear protests and appeals regarding Team Total Toyota RunX S2000 after H&H the event’s results. The outcome of the suffering gearbox problems that left the Issue 187 • 17 June 2011 • Page 09

Changes to route for Toyota 1000 Desert Race

Words: Staff Writer kilometres North West of Gaborone. and distance has been added to make Picture: Motorpics Facilities at the site have been upgraded, up the 250km loop as it heads towards and Kumakwane will act as race Molepolole. The route for the Toyota 1000 headquarters for the next two years. Good news for competitors is Desert Race in Botswana from June “We have fi ne tuned the route that on day two the 210 kilometre north- 24 to 26 has been fi ne-tuned and and a number of changes have been east loop, has been opened up and is will again provide competitors with made inside a similar framework to last not as tight as was the case for the 2010 a massive challenge. year,” said route director Andre Strauss. race. This loop will also be run twice and The race is round four of the “Good rains in some areas have also because of heavy rain certain sections of ABSA Off-Road Championship and forced us into changes and, as usual, last year’s route have been eliminated, represents the halfway mark in the it is going to be a tough challenge that and competitors will now head north of series. Again organised by the Four utilises the best terrain Botswana has to Kapong Road on about 50 kilometres of Wheel Drive Club of Southern Africa offer.” new terrain. it could have a massive effect on The Donaldson Prologue to The Donaldson Prologue will championship challenges throughout the determine start positions for the race start at 12h00 on 24 June and the race various classes in the Production and is similar to last year but has been at 08h00 on 25 June. Prologue and day Special Vehicle categories. shortened and includes bush terrain, one survivors will face another 08h00 Some intense battles have river crossings and thick sand. The start on the fi nal day of an event that developed in both categories and the prologue will cover a distance of 58 over the years has become the single only marathon event on the Absa series kilometres with the route running biggest sporting and social occasion in calendar could make or break some north-west from Kumakwane towards Botswana. championship hopefuls. The event is Molepolole and back to the start via The Toyota 1000 Desert Race notorious for a sting in the tale, and in Gakgatla. is now run in conjunction with “The recent years has produced triumph and This year’s day one route is Mantshwabisi” motorcycle and quad heartbreak over the last 100km. much the same as last year’s day two, race on 23 - 24 June with the new Race headquarters and the but with some alterations that include marathon event run over 750km. H&H designated service area will be situated sections not used for many years. There at the village of Kumakwane, about 25 are also some completely new sections Event Reports PParcarc FFermeerme Results

Cronje/Houghton win drama-fi lled Gauteng Rally Words: Evan Rothman 30,3sec behind Cronje/Houghton. champions Enzo Kuun and Guy Hodgson Pictures: IRC Series They dominated the day’s proceedings, in an S2000 Polo Vivo. They fi nished winning six of the nine stages to go with 01min 36.8sec behind the winners and The fourth round of the South the single stage win they had on Friday. 50.8sec ahead of VW teammates and African Rally Championship, the Wilken/Godrich in fact crossed former champions Hergen Fekken/Pierre Toyota Dealer Gauteng Rally, which the fi nish line at the fi nal control at Arries. Sixth place went to the privateer ended at the RallyStar Motorsport RallyStar in third place, 31.4sec behind Pirtek Peugeot 207 S2000 of Hein Academy near Bapsfontein on the factory Castrol Toyota Auris of Lategan/Johan van der Merwe in their Saturday afternoon, was very much Johnny Gemmell and Scotland’s Drew best result of the season. like a good curry. It had all the Sturrock. Gemmell had pushed the While a recipe of tasty ingredients that make up a spicy S2000 Toyota to the limit in a storming ingredients like gravel roads, hairpin and appetising offering, even to the second-day drive that saw him recover bends, jumps, water crossings, mud and sting in the tail – in fact, several from sixth at the end of the fi rst day slippery grass grabbed the attention of stings. to fi nish 58.9sec behind the winners. the competing crews and entertained the After two days and some Offi cials subsequently handed out time hundreds of enthusiastic fans that lined 160km of high speed special stage penalties to a number of drivers for the route, Saturday’s dramatic events rallying in the Carnival City and cutting corners, including Gemmell, unfolded. Bapsfontein areas, it was the privateer and the Toyota crew was demoted to S2000 debutant and reigning class S2000 Team SASOL Ford of Mark fi fth place after collecting a two-minute S1600 champion Leeroy Poulter/Elvene Cronje and Robin Houghton that took penalty. Coetzee were well positioned to fi nish in a convincing victory after leading The penalties have been second place after starting the day third throughout the event and taking the appealed and the fi nal results of the overall with two stage wins on Friday. honours in six of the 14 stages. rally will depend on the outcome of the A problem with the Toyota’s brakes saw Privateers Charl Wilken and appeals. them lose valuable time on SS11 after Greg Godrich (Basil Read/bizhub Ford Promoted from fourth to the they had taken over second place from Fiesta S2000) completed a remarkable fi nal spot on the podium after the the factory VW Polo of Giniel de Villiers/ comeback after fi nishing Friday’s penalties were applied was the fi rst of Ralph Pitchford on SS9. fi ve stages in seventh position to the four-strong factory BP Volkswagen The delay dropped them to claim a surprise second place, 01min Polo S2000 team, defending national seventh and, despite rolling the Toyota Issue 187 • 17 June 2011 • Page 11

on the fi nal super special stage at face of stiff competition until SS9 on Silverton Engineering Toyota Auris of RallyStar, they fi nished seventh only to Saturday, when they started dropping Tjaart Conradie/Kes Naidoo and the be demoted to tenth as a result of the back with a misfi ring engine and then S1600 Team RSi Toyota Corolla of Hans corner-cutting penalties. gear selection problems. They fi nally Himmel and Tommy du Toit. Promoted to seventh was the retired on the very last stage with The all-woman crew of Megan Grandmark International VW Polo S2000 broken engine mountings after landing Verlaque and Lirene du Plessis (BP VW of Nicholas Ryan/Armand du Toit, who heavily over a jump. Polo) were declared provisional winners fi nished 04min 48.2sec behind the Another signifi cant non- of the S1400 class ahead of the Q8 Oils winning Ford. Eighth was the second fi nisher was the S2000 Green Fuel Ford VW Polo of Henk Lategan and Pierre Pirtek Peugeot of Visser du Plessis/ Fiesta of championship leaders Conrad Jordaan and the React Ford Fiesta of Gerhard Snyman, who rounded off a Rautenbach and co-driver Nicolas Ashley Haigh Smith and James Aldridge. season’s best combined performance for Klinger. After completing day one in The next round of the the team in their new French rally cars. a disappointing 10th place overall, the championship is the Volkswagen Rally on Privateers Japie van Niekerk/ Zimbabwean/French combination went 15 - 16 July. H&H Simon Vacy-Lyle (New Africa out on Saturday’s SS11 with terminal Developments VW Polo S2000) were engine problems. OVERALL CLASSIFICATION awarded ninth place after the penalty Another Ford Fiesta, the 01) M. Cronje/R. Houghton Ford Fiesta S2000 - 01h 36m 55.9s shootout, 04min 57.9sec behind the Sasol Ford of former world junior rally 02) C. Wilken/G. Godrich winners. championship contender Jon Williams Ford Fiesta S2000 + 01m 30.3s Two of the factory BP and Cobus Vrey, crashed out of the 03) E. Kuun/G. Hodgson Volkswagen Polo Vivo S2000 + 01m 36.9s Volkswagens failed to fi nish after both rally in dramatic fashion on SS12 after 04) H. Fekken/P. Arries had made a good start. Multiple former completing Day One in eighth place. Volkswagen Polo Vivo S2000 + 02m 27.7s champion Jan Habig and Robert Paisley Class A7 honours went to Rocky 05) J. Gemmell/D. Sturrock Toyota Auris S2000 + 02m 59.0s went out on SS3 on Friday after losing a Reyneke and Christo Ackerman in a VW 06) H. Lategan/J. Van der Merwe wheel and damaging the suspension. Polo, who were the only fi nishers. Peugeot 207 S2000 + 02m 13.5s Red Bull Mobile’s Giniel de Provisional results for the Junior 07) N. Ryan/A. Du Toit Volkswagen Polo S2000 + 03m 43.8s Villiers/Ralph Pitchford, competing in overall classifi cation (combined classes 08) V. Du Plessis/G. Snyman their fi rst season of rallying together, S1600 and S1400) saw Guy Botterill/ Peugeot 207 S2000 + 03m 44.6s were having their best outing of the year Schalk van Heerden score a maiden win 09) J. Van Niekerk/S. Vacy-Lyle Volkswagen Polo S2000 + 03m 53.5s to date and were second at the end of in a class S1600 Yato Tools/LiquiMoly 10) L. Poulter/E. Coetzee Day One. They held this position in the Toyota RunX ahead of the S1600 Toyota Auris S2000 + 04m 38.2s Issue 187 • 17 June 2011 • Page 12

Trophy-Raid LADOGA: Russia’s Toughest Challenge

Words: Eva Kovkova Crews from as far as Belarus, electronically system via GPS to control Picture: Eva Kovkova Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, time and distance. Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Perhaps never in 15 years of Russia is undeniably a motorsport Poland, Germany, England, Hungary, its existence, LADOGA was so hot. In powerhouse. Showcasing the Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, Australia, honor of the anniversary the nature country’s passion for the sport, Holland, Czech Republic, Slovenia, and made for all the participants gift in a and the region’s, is the Trophy- even the USA took part in this challenge, form of 8 sunny days. Although in this Raid LADOGA. This year was the and it is important to note that clubs case, a gift has turned out not quite fi t: 15th running of this international and teams are entering this event, with the majority of special stages have dried off-road race likened to the Camel individual crews only entering as the up, and fords shallow, sometimes to a Trophy. The route, run over eight brave. Perhaps a sign of this event’s very unseemly level. As a result, even days of competition, is the longest, prestige and appeal is this: the greatest the most diffi cult sections of the route toughest and most punishing distance traveled to reach by road the were not accounted for the majority of of its kind in the world, with event was from a team from Vladivostok athletes too much trouble. Signifi cant 1,200km of stages, 17 countries (9657km to St. Petersburg) and another adjustments made the strongest represented by 250 competitors in from Blagoveshchensk (8352km to hurricane that has passed last summer eight classes in the unique 24-hour St.Petersburg). on the Karelian isthmus. By felling killed daylight. Handbrakes & Hairpins’ The crews in this race all have several iconic stages, and the swamp photojournalist Eva Kovkova brings different experience and preparation under the formidable title “invincible” this report from St. Petersburg, levels, with the event hosting 11 vehicle became this year commonplace Russia. categories. What makes this race unavailable. The Trophy-Raid LADOGA is a unique, and a logistical masterpiece, is The motto of this legendary unique adventure, an expedition deep that each category boasts its own route: race is: “You made it!” We made it, and into the Russian forests and near the some fi ght for seconds while others it was great. See you next year! H&H most beautiful lake, which gave its name are engaged in “cultural navigation” to this race. (GeoCaching). All results are recorded Issue 187 • 17 June 2011 • Page 13

OVERALL CLASSIFICATION Adventures Category: ATV - Adventures Category: Winners of Ladoga Team Spirit event: 1) V. Sadkevich/A. Korneev 1) A. Nikiforov/S. Petrov WINCH ENGINEERING off-road team 2) E. Morozov/A. Rasulov 2) R. Rauza/J. Strautins 3) P. Korolev/A. Afanasiev 3) S. Shelenkov/E. Aliev TR2 Category: 1) A. Ponomarev/A. Khalabudenko Adventures - Open Category: ATV - SSV Category: 2) K. Derazhinsky/V. Nikolaev-Kulzhinsky 1) I. Krutelin/D. Kozlov 1) A. Rodionov/D. Tamarkov 3) A. Potachev/S. Shurupov 2) S. Kirillovsky/T. Kirillovskaya 2) P. Utkin/A. Utkin 3) D. Buyanov/S. Pukhov 3) A. Dubakin/A. Slepushkin TR3 Category: 1) R. Briskindov/S. Volkov ATV - Open Category: Grand Tourism Category: 2) V. Terentiev/A. Alexandrov 1) O. Mareev/A. Mironchik 1) V. Kremyansky/N. Kremyanskaya 3) M. Klyuiko/I. Pentinen 2) I. Martyanova/V.Shmelkov 2) K. Kartinkin/V. Kartinkin 3) M. Konsovsky/Y. Konsovskaya 3) D. Dmitriev/A. Shafranovsky PROTO Category: 1) K. Sihvonen/M. Sihvonen ATV - Original Category: Discovery Category: 2) S. Halzev/D. Bykov 1) A. Tuzov/A. Roshektaev 1) K. Martyanov/A. Martyanova/V. Bogachev 3) P. Pylkko/A. Niko 2) A. Zolotarev/D. Zolotarev 2) E. Artyukhin/A. Chudenkov 3) E. Korotov/I. Zapivalov 3) R. Kamartdinov/O. Kamartdinova Issue 187 • 17 June 2011 • Page 14

Wet and slippery Greek roads await WRC

Words: Evan Rothman Saturday and Sunday (Days course, I am aiming for the podium!” Picture: Tony Welam/PSWRT Two and Three of the event) will be Acropolis Rally of Greece gets based back around Loutraki with three underway with the fi rst stage on Friday Stages don’t come more challenging repeated stages on Saturday and a 17 June at 09h08 local time. H&H than those fi lled with rocks, sharp 17.71km night stage. Sunday will see stones, slippery corners and high- the competitors head to stages north WRC Rally Greece Itinerary: speed twists thrown into the mix. of Loutraki where there will be two Friday 17 June For this weekend’s WRC Rally runs through New Pissia stage and two 09h08 - SS1 (Thiva 1) - 23,60km Greece, Handbrakes & Hairpins will runs through 19.42km Aghii Theodori 11h01 - SS2 (Elatia) - 39,10km follow the Petter Solberg World stage, the start of which will then Remote Service Kamena Vourla Rally Team to highlight this event’s play host to the 4km Power Stage on 13h39 - SS3 (Eleftherohori) - 18,10km tough nature in a more involving Sunday afternoon. The Power Stage 14h28 - SS4 (Rengini) - 11,88km manner. will be broadcast live on TV and offers 16h15 - SS5 (Thiva 2) - 23,60km It is the seventh round of the additional Championship points for the 17h48 - SS6 (Mavrolimni) - 25,05km (WRC) that fastest three drivers. approaches this weekend, and with The rally surface is hard Saturday 18 June Petter Solberg currently lying fi fth in gravel with high ground temperatures 11h02 - SS7 (Mycenae 1) - 17,41km the Drivers’ Championship, the Petter and rocky, dusty roads. A challenging 12h05 - SS8 (Ghymno 1) - 26,28km Solberg World Rally Team have made rally for both the car and crew, Rally 13h20 - SS9 (Kefalari 1) - 18,40km their way to the WRC Acropolis Rally of Acropolis ambient temperatures make Service Loutraki Greece, based in the seaside town of conditions even more diffi cult, with 16h20 - SS10 (Mycenae 2) - 17,41km Loutraki only 90km west of Athens. no airconditioning in the car for Petter 17h23 - SS11 (Ghymno 2) - 26,28km The site of the Acropolis in Solberg and Chris Patterson. 18h38 - SS12 (Kefalari 2) - 18,40km Athens hosted the ceremonial start on “Greece will be another tough Service Loutraki Thursday evening. Friday’s stages are event,” says Petter Solberg. “But I’m 21h33 - SS13 (Nea Politia) - 17,71km based around Kemena Vourla, where, confi dent that both the car and the after completing Elatia, the longest driver are up for it! The stages in Greece Sunday 19 June stage of the rally, there will be a 15min are really hard on the car, and with only 09h03 - SS14 (Aghii 1) - 19,42km Remote Service where only tyre changes a Remote Service on Friday you have 09h34 - SS15 (New Pissia 1) - 11,37km and basic repairs are allowed to be to avoid hitting trouble. Tyre wear will 12h05 - SS16 (Aghii 2) - 19,42km made, only the spares carried in the rally also be a big issue during the weekend. 12h36 - SS17 (New Pissia 2) - 11,37km car. Following this Service the crew will I have so many great memories from 14h11 - SS18 (Power Stage) - 4,00km tackle another four stages to complete earlier events in Greece, so I’m happy Day One’s route. we are back here this year and of