Handbrakes Issue 129 April 2010 Hairpins & your insight into the world of

Cover LOEB TOPS ALL IN Features Events inside Events Mirra recovers for Historic Toyota this week: Olympus Rally Dealer 400 action Contents / Issue 129 04 News Welcome to H&H! • Cetinkaya prepares for more IRC Welcome to issue 129 of HANDBRAKES & • needs more funds HAIRPINS, your FREE weekly insight into • Volkswagen commits to Dakar 2011 the world of rallying! • all go Inside this week, HANDBRAKES • McRae and Atkinson ready with Protons & HAIRPINS is pleased to bring you a fantastic competition presented by 08 Features Veloce Publishing. You stand a chance 09 Dave Mirra on a “comeback” drive to win a great rally book and readers of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS will enjoy a DHRT consistent in Swartberg 10 special discount of 25% off Veloce Books. More details are to be found on page 7. 12 Events As always, I hope you enjoy this 13 WRC: Rally of Turkey week’s exciting edition! 16 SANORRC: Toyota Dealer 400 18 SARC: Sasol Rally Yours in Rallying, 19 BRC: Pirelli International Rally Evan Rothman 20 RA: Olympus Rally 21 ERC: Rally 1000 Miglia 21 APRC: Rally Malaysia

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News the world’s latest rally news NEWS

successful commitment. Burcu Cetinkaya says her outing in This means that the Wolfsburg based automobile Turkey prepares her for IRC manufacturer is grabbing the opportunity to clinch a hat-trick at the toughest test in worldwide motorsport. Volkswagen Burcu Cetinkaya says her outing on Rally of Turkey last made motorsport history as early as in 2009. With a one-two weekend was the ideal preparation for her Intercontinental victory, the automobile manufacturer from Wolfsburg managed Rally Challenge campaign, which gets underway on Rally to win the classic rally straight away as the fi rst manufacturer d’Italia Sardegna from 04 - 06 June. with diesel power. Cetinkaya used the World Championship rally to “The Dakar Rally makes maximum demands on acclimatise to the Peugeot 207 she will drive this the vehicles and the team. This makes it the ideal terrain to season, fi nishing 12th overall on the demanding gravel event. present Volkswagen’s technical expertise and perfect teamwork She said: “It was good experience and I’m pleased to a large audience,” says Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member with my result, even though I was not interested where of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand for the I fi nished because I was using the rally just to practice. I Development Division. “South America is an important growth improved a lot my use of the gearbox and the braking. It was market for Volkswagen and thus the ideal venue to continue only my third rally in a four-wheel drive car so I am quite expanding the awareness and popularity enjoyed by the pleased.” Volkswagen brand.” The 29-year-old from Istanbul is due to contest seven “We now have the opportunity to achieve the diesel rounds of the IRC alongside co-driver Cicek Guney. She is the hat-trick and to thereby make motorsport history again,” fi rst female driver to enter an expanded programme of IRC enthuses Director Kris Nissen. “We will events. again invest all our passion, heart and soul in this project at - Credit: www.ircseries.com the next ‘Dakar’.” The Dakar Rally thus remains at the forefront of Petter Solberg happy with season, Volkswagen’s motorsport involvement. With great innovative achievements and sporting exploits, the engineers from needs more funds to keep pace Wolfsburg have established diesel technology with its high fuel Petter Solberg says his team’s frugal budget is holding him economy in top-calibre sport. back from challenging for outright wins in the World Rally The brand pursues an all-new approach with the Championship. Scirocco R-Cup that is being staged for the fi rst time. With a The Norwegian, who was taking part in his 150th WRC CO2 reduction of 80 per cent, Volkswagen banks on a novel event alongside co-driver Phil Mills, moved into second place concept. The use of bio natural gas combines sustainability in the drivers’ standings with his third-straight podium fi nish of and environmental compatibility in motorsport. Bio natural gas the season on Rally of Turkey. will be used at the 24-hour race on the legendary Nordschleife However, he said he is continually driving with car of the Nürburgring for the fi rst time as well. Furthermore, preservation fi rmly in mind due to his limited funds. the automobile manufacturer from Wolfsburg proves its “Of course we can go faster but I am losing time on technological prowess at other one-make cups, in India, China some stages because I have to hold back and take care of my and the USA. As engine supplier to several Formula 3 series car,” said Solberg, who added he has adopted a more intelligent and the ADAC Formula Masters junior series, Volkswagen approach behind the wheel of his ex-works Citroen C4 WRC. complements its motorsport commitment. “From an intelligence driving point of view it was one - Credit: Volkswagen Motorsport Media of my better ones,” said the 2003 world champion. “A few years ago I would have actually gone fl at-out all the time like an absolute maniac and taken big risks. Now I am starting WRC Rally New Zealand will go ahead from scratch and building up my confi dence with the car to get despite ash problems in Europe back up to the top and it is working.” While rally teams travelling from Europe to Rally New Zealand, Solberg’s second place in Turkey marked his 40th the FIA event which starts in podium fi nish in the World Rally Championship. He said the fact Auckland on 6 May, may have their pre-event preparation he had achieved his latest career milestone driving for his own affected that won’t stop the event going ahead. team was extra special. That’s the offi cial statement from Rally New Zealand It was very special when we were fi ghting at the organisers. top but of course with the low budget we have it’s really “It’s an FIA World Rally Championship event,” unbelievable,” said the 35-year-old. says Rally New Zealand chairman Chris Carr. “Only the FIA “But it just proves it’s possible with a lot of passion (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the world governing and energy like my team has. But this result is not just body of motorsport) can make the decision to postpone or because people have done mistakes. We have been on the cancel the event and we’ve heard nothing to indicate that pace the whole time and maybe we have been a bit smarter either of those options is even being considered.” than other people. I am proud because our team is not many Carr and other offi cials are in regular communication people.” with the WRC teams, which have just wrapped up competition Full reports, videos, photos and more on www.wrc.com. in the Rally of Turkey. - Credit: www.wrc.com and www.rallybuzz.com “Virtually all the European teams are having diffi culties getting home from Turkey – some are bussing, Volkswagen commits to Dakar 2011 some have chartered private planes to take them on a route not affected by the ash,” says Carr. with aims of 1-2-3 fi nish “Some teams are commenting that their pre-event preparation will be severely compressed before the freight Volkswagen will contest the Dakar Rally again in January 2011. aircraft depart Europe for New Zealand in about eight days After the outstanding one-two-three win in January this year, time. We appreciate that teams will be under considerable the Volkswagen management board decided to continue the NEWS pressure to be ready to fl y out to New Zealand, but the reality Proton’s team manager Chris Mellors said: “ is is, unless we are advised to the contrary by the FIA, Rally New going to bring another dimension to the team. We’re a real Zealand will take place as scheduled.” Asia Pacifi c team now: a Malaysian manufacturer with a native Carr’s comments are backed up by Morrie Australian driving one car and a Scotsman living in Australia Chandler, the New Zealander who chairs the FIA World Rally in the other. There’s no doubt, this is going to be an exciting Championship Commission. season for Proton and all concerned with the programme.” “Based on the current situation, Rally New Zealand The International Rally of Whangarei features on two will run as scheduled. Everything’s in place and Rally New rally championship calendars again in 2010 – it’s a round of Zealand offi cials have done everything they’re meant to under both the FIA Asia Pacifi c Rally Championship and the Vantage FIA regulations,” says Chandler. “I understand some teams Aluminium New Zealand Rally Championship. are looking at different, later freight options. If we get to the With the event headquarters and service park located point of some teams not being able to make it to New Zealand, at the Quayside Town Basin in downtown Whangarei, the perhaps the situation will be revised, but at this point, that’s two-day rally covers 285km of gravel, divided into 16 special unlikely.” stages on roads between Whangarei and Paparoa. Carr adds: “Today it’s obvious more planes are fl ying and The event enjoys considerable support from the that the ash is working its way through. I’m confi dent that Kaipara and Whangarei communities and in return, provides the teams will make it to New Zealand, despite their lengthy half the proceeds of all spectator ticket sales back to the journeys home from Turkey. All of our efforts are going to community via groups such as the Maungaturoto Co-operative. ensure that when the teams do get here, they have the best Rally fans can enjoy meeting the star Asia Pacifi c event possible. We will be ready in Auckland, on May 6th.” drivers including the offi cial driver autograph signing session in - Credit: www.rallybuzz.com Whangarei’s Cameron Street Mall from 4pm on Friday 2 July, before the exciting ceremonial start at 5pm, says Martin. More details about spectator options are updated on the event Alister McRae and Chris Atkinson to website, www.rallywhangarei.co.nz, on a regular basis. pilot Protons in New Zealand - Credit: www.ralybuzz.com Scotsman Alister McRae and Australian Chris Atkinson, two well-known names in rallying, will compete in this year’s Limited running time will still help, International Rally of Whangarei against New Zealand’s top rally drivers. says Ford driver The high-powered team-mates will be driving Proton Monster World Rally Team driver Ken Block says the experience Satria Neo S2000 cars for the Rally team in the he gained on Rally of Turkey will go a long way to helping him 2010 FIA Asia Pacifi c Rally Championship, which features the up his pace behind the wheel of his Ford Focus WRC, despite Whangarei event as the third round from 2 to 4 July. being forced to retire on both Friday and Saturday. Willard Martin, who chairs the International Rally of The 42-year-old Gymkhana driving video star is Whangarei organising committee, says he’s delighted to see tackling a select programme of WRC rallies this season in two drivers of Atkinson’s and McRae’s calibre confi rmed for the preparation for a full assault on the series in 2011. Whangarei event. He retired on Friday’s opening stage with a broken “Alister McRae is obviously well-known in New Zealand steering arm, caused by nudging a submerged tree stump, from both his own rallying successes and those of his late before stopping on Saturday’s fi nal stage when he got beached brother Colin. We’ve seen Alister compete here on a number of on a bank. His return on Sunday netted 24th overall and ninth events in New Zealand but it’s the fi rst time he’ll be here with in the A8 class. the Proton team in the Super 2000 rally car they launched last “Every bit of time we get in the car helps enormously year. He scored a historic podium place for this Proton model and really boosts my confi dence,” said Block, who was co- in Rally Scotland in November last year after making his debut driven by fellow American Alex Gelsomino. “Retiring on that in the Malaysia-built car during Rally Indonesia last October,” fi rst stage on Friday was so frustrating because it meant says Martin. missing out on a lot of mileage. But even though we weren’t “Chris Atkinson is equally well-known to Kiwi rally able to go the full distance there were still some things we fans, particularly from his time with , so it’s exciting were able to learn. The problem is I’m still fi guring this car out to see that Chris has recently signed for this new opportunity and, at the moment, I don’t trust myself to go at more than 80 to compete on the international rally stage. We look forward per cent.” to seeing him in action against top Kiwi drivers like Richard Block said he was heartened by the two top-six stage Mason, Emma Gilmour and Chris West on the fantastic roads times he recorded during the demanding gravel rally, most around Whangarei and Kaipara during our event.” notably his time through the Gocbeyli stage on Saturday Queensland-born Atkinson has competed at the morning. highest level of the sport, collecting 40 stage wins in the “The fi rst one felt really good because it was on FIA World Rally Championship in four years with the Subaru Saturday during the heat of the battle,” said Block. “I got one team. The 30-year-old Australian join McRae in what will be on the last stage too but that was at the end of the rally when one of the strongest driver line-ups for the seven-round FIA people were backing off.” Asia Pacifi c Rally Championship, which starts on 24 April with Block returns to world championship duty on Proton’s home event, Rally Malaysia. Vodafone from 27-30 May. Before then Atkinson said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to drive the he will contest round three of the National next generation of rally car. I’m really excited about the year Championship in a Ford Fiesta this weekend. ahead. I’ve tested the Satria Neo S2000 briefl y in Britain and - Credit: www.wrc.com it’s a very, very good car. I’m looking forward to working with Proton and Alister [McRae] in the year ahead.” click>> read >> enjoy

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DAVE MIRRA ON A “COMEBACK” DRIVE BMX legend and the most decorated athlete in history, Dave Mirra, rally drives for Subaru Rally Team USA. He recently opened up about his illness and the upcoming Olympus Rally to be held April 24-25th at Ocean Shores, WA.

Story by Rally America they need if he is there or not. serious happen to you before, or have Picture by Rally America Can Dave Mirra recover in time you ever had anything like this before? and be well enough to compete? In an DM: “This was the most serious sickness Last month’s surprising news about exclusive Rally America Q&A Dave Mirra I’ve ever had. Luckily I came out with Subaru Rally Team USA’s Dave Mirra speaks out about his ordeal and gives a 100% recovery and no serious side contracting Bacterial Meningitis us the word about his Olympus Rally effects which is extremely lucky.” prompted an outpouring of well wishes participation! from fans and competitors on his RA: What are your expectations for the Facebook and Twitter accounts. Q & A with Dave Mirra: Olympus Rally? Mirra faced the more severe Rlly America (RA): Can you explain your DM: “I can’t wait to get to Olympus and form of Meningitis that causes ordeal with the Bacterial Meningitis and get back in my Subaru. My goal is to infl ammation of the membrane covering your time in the hospital? step up my pace and enjoy some of the the brain and spinal cord. If left Dave Mirra (DM): “It was is the gnarliest most amazing roads in the country.” untreated the infection could ultimately thing I’ve ever had. It started out one result in damage to the brain. But with morning after breakfast with fl u like RA: With a snow event and a gravel early detection and diagnoses Bacterial symptoms. As it progressed, I could event under your belt now in the new Meningitis is treatable towards a full barely walk. I had no choice but to go more powerful Open Class Car (after recovery. to the emergency room. After a ton of having competed in the lower spec Fortunately a month and a half tests, they checked me into the hospital Super Production Class in 2009) what break on the Rally America National where I stayed for the next 6 days. are your key goals for Olympus with calendar is giving Mirra the time he Following the hospital I was on some regard to your driving and getting up to needs, but the infection still placed pretty heavy medicine for the next 11 speed with the car? Mirra’s Olympus Rally participation in days. The tough part was after going DM: “Olympus will be a great rally, with doubt and the Subaru Rally Team USA home from the hospital i had a pick the roads being so technical, to get to took a wait and see approach to his line for the anti-biotics. So I had to sit know my open class Subaru much better recovery. for 1 hour 3 times a day and take my and step up my pace to stay competitive Not making the Olympus medicine through an I.V. Crazy.” in the overall championship points. This Rally could be a serious blow to a season means alot to me so fi nishing Championship title when every point RA: How is your recovery going, how is very important since you can’t drop counts in the new 6-event season do you feel now and will you be 100% any events in the points tally. We are format. Mirra is currently tied with Travis for the Olympus Rally at the end of this doing some pre-event testing with Travis Hanson for 5th place overall and within month? and so I should be really comfortable in striking distance of points leader Antoine DM: “My recovery has been great. I’m the car for Olympus. I’m really looking L’Estage leading up to the Olympus Rally. back on the road bike and hitting the forward to it.” Already the Olympus Rally gym daily and getting my strength back. is seeing a plethora of Championship It was a tough ordeal that took a lot out Elsewhere in this week’s issue is an caliber teams vying for top honors and of me. But I will be 100% in Olympus event preview for this weekend’s an X Games 16 invitation. Mirra’s ability and I’m very grateful for that.” Olympus Rally, and next week we will to be a top 5 fi nisher directly impacts feature a comprehensive event review. other teams’ ability to net the points RA: Have you ever had anything this

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF RALLYING Featuring European rally championships, British rally championships, Rally America events, international rally results and videos, as well as S2000 and WRC news. www.rallybuzz.com FEATURES

DHRT CONSISTENT IN SWARTBERG Our rookies in rallying, the DHRT, are tackling the Western Cape Regional Rally Championship and fi nished the recent Vlakvlei Rally with more confi dence and understanding. This their home event, the DHRT fi nished an impressive seventh overall.

Story by Divan de Goede consistently and predictably, which Hoskins as they were held up in the Pictures by Frank Pey and Nathalie Short meant we could tackle some of the stage. faster stuff with more confi dence. SS5 was attacked in much Last weekend DHRT (pronounced “dirt”) At the end of second stage, we the same manner, as we were not able competed in our home rally, the Vlakvlei had pulled out a 22sec advantage over to make much of a difference on the Rally, held near Koringberg in the Jerry Bailey and Brian Hoskins in their chasing crews behind us. The Bailey/ Swartberg region. The team left early on Volkswagen Golf… The battle was on! Hoskins Volkswagen Golf took a massive Saturday morning for the 60km trip to With SS3 a repeat of SS1, the 20sec out of our lead. Vlakvlei Rally start to ensure we secured crew was more confi dent. The stage was With the steering rack tired, ourselves a good service spot. This rally better swept as well, which helped to the suspension near its end, we tackled was a single venue event, which meant keep the car in a straight line. The rough the fi nal stage of the event with the only the service crews had more time to relax and rocky nature of the terrain on these hope of fi nishing the rally to maintain and more a pleasant time for all. roads meant that the wet-weather tyres our 100 percent fi nishing record. The Swartberg area experienced we fi tted were always going suffer (and We completed the stage with heavy rain on the days leading up to the degrade quicker than normal), so we no real drama, and waited for the stage event, and it made the surface of the changed over to dry-weather tyres at the time of the Volkswagen Golf crew: we stages’ roads a little slippery and the rear again to help prevent punctures. lost the rally battle by 02sec! water splashes were bigger than what This increase in confi dence also meant Nonetheless, DHRT fi nished the the recce DVD had showed. As DHRT that we crew attacked the yumps and rally in seventh overall and third in class started the rally 11th on the road, we dips with more vigor, but this eventually S3. decided to stick with dry tyres on the lead to one of the car’s Bilstein shock Thanks to the organisers, land fi rst stages as we felt it would be dry. absorbers being damaged. owners, the emergency personnel and Although it was far from wet, As we entered our service area everyone involved for making this event SS1 did have a number slippery sections after SS3, the car’s damper dumped all a success. We would also like to thank which meant we had plenty of sideways its oil. Unsurprisingly, the rest of the 4Wheel alignment, Sean’s Audio, Speedy moments in our Toyota Corolla Group car’s corners were not in a much better Vredenburg and Truck and Marine N2; when we came over a crest and into state. Our Volkswagen Golf rivals had centre. a water splash, we actually aquaplaned also closed the gap by two seconds after and very nearly sideswiped a dam wall... this stage. When we pulled into the service In SS4, we tested the shock park, the crew changed the rear tyres absorber and it felt was not too badly to “wets” to help keep the rear end of damaged, so we decided to push on but the car in check. The second stage went to tap off for the big yumps. Even so, we much better as the car behaved more clawed back 12sec on Jerry Bailey/Brian One of five selected books from the popular “Rally Giants” series WIN! every two weeks.

This week’s prize is “” written by Graham Robson. Question: What engine layout is synonymous with Subaru? Send your answers to [email protected]. The winner will be randomly chosen from correct entries received. PLUS save 25% on Veloce Publishing’s Books* when ordered directly from www.veloce.co.uk by quoting “HHrally25” at checkout.

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VELOCE PUBLISHING THE PUBLISHERS OF FINE AUTOMOTIVE BOOKS Events the full event previews and reviews EVENTS

ONLY FOR THE BRAVE WRC: RALLY OF TURKEY 15 - 18 April 2010 With another dominant performance in Turkey, Sebastien Loeb heads to Rally New Zealand in three weeks time brimming with confi dence. This event, however, is not to be dismissed: brave drives from a number of drivers made ke this un unforgettable rally. From the stages of Turkey to the pages of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, highly-talented photographer EVA KOVKOVA brings us these action pictures.

Story by Evan Rothman swung in favour of the Citroen boys and challenging stages here. Norway’s Pictures by Eva Kovkova this weekend, as Sebastien Loeb and fastest rally driver Petter Solberg and Daniel Elena powered their C4 WRC co-driver Phil Mills have once again With the World Rally Championship through Turkey’s stages to extend challenged the factory teams for the top circus in Istanbul this past weekend, the their winning streak and stamp their spot on the podium. Solberg mounted an local and international rally fans who authority once more in the World Rally early attack on Day One of the rally, and fl ocked in their thousands to the stages Championship. The Frenchman now quickly settled into a threatening rhythm were humbled by the world’s best rally enjoys a comfortable 40-point advantage to shadow Sebastien Ogier through crews vying for supremacy on arguably over his rivals after only four rounds of the stages. Finishing Day One in fourth the toughest rally weekend yet seen in this 13-event series. place, he used his road position to great the 2010 season. Cunning and bravery were effect to move up to second overall at The WRC Rally of Turkey needed in bucketfuls over the slippery the end of Day Two where he remained EVENTS

through to the fi nish of the rally. After the timesheets. He drove faultlessly all Pirelli Star Drivers were braving proudly claiming the second step on day, and dominated proceedings. He the Turkish rally roads with Estonian the winners’ podium, Solberg’s points was running fi fth on the start list, while ace Ott Tanak fi nishing the day in haul moves him to second place in the six-time World Rally Champion Sebastien tenth overall. African representative Drivers’ Championship Standings. Loeb was tasked with sweeping the Peter Horsey had a terrible start to his , BP Ford Abu roads clean. campaign as his car burnt out after Dhabi World Rally Team’s boy genius, and Marc Marti led rolling. was once again unable to get the the factory Citroen Total World Rally measure of his Citroen rivals, and had to Team effort to end Day One less than How it happened: Day Two fi ght for his third spot on the podium. 03sec behind Ogier. The Spaniard was Ogier, leading the WRC crews out on the This being a mixed surface hounded by the fl ying (and focused) fast asphalt and gravel stages of Day event, with 11 percent of the stages Finnish stars Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo Two, managed to maintain his position being run on asphalt roads and the Lehtinen (BP Abu Dhabi World Rally at the top of the leaderboard despite his remainder on slippery gravel, clever Team) who fi nished the opening day less unenviable road sweeping duties. Sadly, tyre management (more on this a little than 10 seconds adrift of rally leader Ogier lost more than three minutes later) saw the Citroen crews edge ever Ogier. on SS15 when he suffered a puncture further into the lead ahead of their Ford Petter Solberg/Phil Mills (Petter at 170km/h, which instantly defl ated counterparts. Solberg World Rally Team) set the and pitched his Citroen C4 WRC off the Ogier was belted out fastest stage times on the opening three road and damaged his car’s left front impressively quick stages times and stages of the event, and positioned corner. By the midday service, Ogier had showed the Citroen Racing management themselves in a strong fourth place dropped from fi rst to fi fth. team that his turn of speed in Jordan overall position. Meanwhile, WRC rookie Meanwhile, Loeb was posting was not a fl ash in the pan. Had Citroen Kimi Raikkonen posted consistent stage ever-quicker stage times to determinedly not asked him to slow his pace by way times and seemed more comfortable in move up the leaderboard from fourth to of incurring a time penalty to aid Loeb his Citroen C4 WRC this weekend. He fi rst. Loeb, and the rest of the Citroen to victory, he may very well have walked fi nished Day One in eighth place overall, drivers, cleverly used worn tyres for the home with the winners’ wreath. Here in just behind the fast Federico Villagra asphalt stages to maximize traction on Turkey, he was every inch a confi dent (Munchi’s Ford World Rally Team). the asphalt. They then used a new set and controlled driver he has promised: Stobart’s Matthew Wilson/ of tyres for the remaining gravel stages Ogier has come of age with this Scott Martin’s speed was curbed by of the afternoon to gain an advantage dramatic and convincing performance. bent steering on SS6, and they had over their rivals who used fresh gravel Unfortunately, a puncture on Day Two to manhandle their Ford Focus RS tyres on the asphalt stages and then had saw him drop off the podium but his WRC through to the overnight halt. to carry those worn tyres through to the pace remained impressive. The former The other Ford entries of Ken Block end of the day. Junior World Rally Champion fi nished the (Monster World Rally Team) and Henning Petter Solberg moved into event fourth overall. Solberg (Stobart Ford World Rally Team) second spot at the overnight halt, after unfortunately hit the same tree stump a day-long battle with Hirvonen to be How it happened: Day One on SS1, and this forced them both to separated by only 1,1sec. At the end of Day One’s nine stages, it have to restart the rally under SupeRally “Everything’s still possible,” was the younger Sebastien who topped regulations. said Hirvonen. “The stages are quite fast EVENTS

tomorrow, which means they will not consecutive time on the podium this the WRC! clean as much, but we’re going to be season, Petter Solberg has now also The WRC circus moves to New trying our hardest.” moved into second place in the Drivers’ Zealand in three weeks’ time, and this Hirvonen’s team-mate, Jari- Championship title fi ght. Petter fought is an event that Petter Solberg has won Matti Latvala, rolled early on Day bravely from SS1 to the fi nish, and has before. It will make for another thrilling Two, and dropped out of the top ten proven he is a worthy title contender. installment in this year’s series. after another consistent and mature “This result is so special performance. Also adding to the because we don’t have the budget of the pressure on Hirvonen, was the Spaniard: top teams but we proved we could fi ght,” Sordo was only 5,1sec behind him. said Solberg. “We tried for the win but in Citroen Junior Team’s Kimi the end it was not possible, although I Raikkonen/Kaj Lindstrom posted am very, very happy.” consistent top ten stage times on Day Hirvonen’s luck ran out on him Two to cement their sixth place on the once more this season on the last stage leaderboard. The same good fortune did of the morning loop when he slid wide not befall the Monster World Rally Team into a rock that caused a puncture. This though, as Ken Block/Alex Gelsomino dropped him to fourth overall as he lost went off on the last stage of the day and more valuable time when the punctured got stuck on a bank to force them out of tyre’s fl ailing rubber tore a hole in the Manufacturers’ Standings: the event. left rear wheel arch and fi lled the car 01) Citroen Total WRT - 126 pts 02) BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT - 111 pts An impressive drive by Pirelli with dust. 03) Citroen Junior Team - 75 pts Star Driver Ott Tanak sees him creep Dani Sordo profi ted from 04) Stobart M-Sport VK Ford WRT - 56 pts into ninth spot overall in his Hirvonen’s misfortune to move into third, 05) Munchi’s Ford WRT - 26 pts Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. but he too then suffered ill luck and was Drivers’ Championship Points: 01) S. Loeb - 93 pts forced into retirement: he slid off the 02) P. Solberg - 53 pts How it happened: Day Three road on a very muddy corner in SS21 03) M. Hirvonen - 52 pts Loeb extended his overnight lead of and broke his front suspension. 04) J-M. Latvala - 47 pts 05) S. Ogier - 45 pts 16sec to nearly a minute ahead of the Hirvonen reclaimed third spot, 06) D. Sordo - 24 pts hard-charging Petter Solberg on the and Ogier moved into fourth. Kimi 07) M. Wilson - 22 pts fi nal day of the rally. Despite torrential Raikkonen gained another position to 08) F. Villagra - 18 pts = H. Solberg - 18 pts overnight rain, and the organisers fi nish fi fth overall, his highest ever fi nish 10) K. Raikkonen - 14 pts deciding to cut the two opening stages in a . Final Classifi cation: of the day, Loeb was still able to impress “The feeling is coming now,” 01) S. Loeb/D. Elena - 03h 01m 38,7s his speed and grit over his rivals. said Raikkonen. “We weren’t pushing too 02) P. Solberg/P. Mills - 03h 02m 33,2s “It was good to be able to fi ght hard but we were still able to set times 03) M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen - 03h 03m 22,1s 04) S. Ogier/J. Ingrassi - 03h 05m 24,7s from the front and not have to think that were not so bad.” 05) K. Raikkonen/K. Lindstrom - 03h 08m 23,0s about the tactics,” said Loeb. “It was not Star driver Ott Tanak’s run in 06) F. Villagra/J. Diaz - 03h 09m 35,4s easy because I really had to push from ninth place ended when he rolled out on 07) M. Wilson/S. Martin - 03h 10m 08,5s 08) J-M. Latvala/M. Anttila - 03h 21m 22,9s the start.” the morning’s loop. This Estonian driver 09) D. Kuipers/F. Miclotte - 03h 25m 00,9s Finishing for the third is most one to watch in future rounds of 10) A. Burkart/A. Kachel - 03h 28m 43,4s EVENTS

HISTORY MADE IN LYDENBURG RACE SANORRC: TOYOTA DEALER 400 17 April 2010 Former South African champions Neil Woolridge and Kenny Skjoldhammer made off-road racing history with a dramatic Production Vehicle category victory for Ford on the Toyota Dealer 400, round two of the Absa Off Road Racing Championship, this past weekend.

Story by Evan Rothman the AIM Toyota Hilux. Pictures by Motorpics After missing the Western Cape opener it was a stunning performance It was the fi rst ever Absa series victory by Woolridge and Skjoldhammer. A huge for a diesel powered car with Woolridge amount of work went into the Ranger in and Skjoldhammer bringing their factory the off season and it paid off. Ford Racing Ranger TDCi home two “The vehicle was unbelievable,” minutes and 27sec ahead of two more said Woolridge. “This win has totally former champions, Hannes Grobler and vindicated the decision at the start of Hennie ter Stege, in the RFS Toyota last season to go the diesel route. “It Hilux. After a third place on the recent was a tough and treacherous route and Adenco 400 in the Western Cape, we took the cautious option. We never unoffi cial scoring has Grobler and ter had to get out the vehicle so it was the Stege leading the Production Vehicle right approach.” championship. Woolridge and Skjoldhammer It was also a fi rst win for started seventh on the road, but at the Woolridge and Skjoldhammer, who have end of the fi rst of two loops that made been together for 10 years. The pair are up the race they held a narrow 17sec also the only competitors to have won lead over Adenco 400 winners Chris the Roof of Africa Rally on both two and Visser and Japie Badenhorst in the RFS/ four wheels. Visser Transport Toyota Hilux. Donaldson In a dramatic fi nish, reigning Prologue winners Ramon and Maret drivers’ champion Duncan Vos/Rob Bezuidenhout (Red Star Raceway Toyota Howie nipped in ahead of Castrol Toyota Hilux) were third, Kobus van Tonder/ Hilux team-mates Anthony Taylor/ Freddie Kriel fourth in the Uni Freight Robin Houghton to take the fi nal podium Ford Ranger and Barkhuizen/van Wyck position. Taylor/Houghton bogged down fi fth. at a river crossing only kilometres from Behind them Grobler/ter Stege the fi nish and limped home fourth ahead led Vos/Howie and Taylor/Houghton of George Barkhuizen/David van Wyck in with all three crews not having happy EVENTS

mornings. Grobler/ter Stege had two The Harpers and a string of The Class A establishment were punctures at the same time, Vos/Howie other Special Vehicle crews were later further rocked when two other Class B had steering problems and Taylor/ handed 15min penalties by the clerk crews made it into the top fi ve. Superb Houghton kept stopping to clean the of the course for speeding in an open performances saw veteran crews Archie windscreen after wiper failures. section. It did not affect the Harpers Rutherford/Craig Doubtfi re (Regent The position was to alter in terms of their fi nish position, with Racing Jimco) and Bodo Bertholdt, who drastically on loop two and the the Atlas Copco team bouncing back has been racing for close on 40 years, Bezuidenhout’s and van Tonder/ after rolling on the opening event of the and Philip Herselman (Atlas Copco BAT) Kriel were to retire for mechanical season. fi nish fourth and fi fth respectively. reasons, while punctures and a Victory for van Staden/Rossouw Sixth and seventh went to mud hole gradually dropped Visser/ was set up yesterday when they fi nished Jimmy Zahos/Stefan Coetzee (Cobalt Badenhorst down the pecking order. second on the Donaldson Prologue to Racing Porter), and Brandon Harcus/ With Barkhuizen/van Wyck hampered determine start positions for the race. Ralph Pitchford (JMR Fleet Management by overheating problems and a late A dramatic prologue saw a string of BAT) who were also speeding victims. puncture, Grobler/ter Stege and the two premier Class A crews also run into For Harcus and Pitchford, who is the factory Castrol Toyota Hilux cars made trouble with Boreham for deviating from reigning Production Car co-drivers strides up the leaderboard. the route. champion, it was a great recovery after Barkhuizen/van Wyck were later The culprits picked up 40 rolling on the Donaldson prologue. The hit by clerk of the course Rex Boreham minute penalties and with other Class A victory in Class B for Hamish and Alistair with a 15min penalty for speeding on crews running into mechanical and other Stubbs, in the Stafi x Viper, was an an open section. It did not change their problems, van Staden and Rossouw emotional one. Hamish, who now lives situation with fellow Free State crew found themselves second on the road in Australia, is in South Africa on holiday Louw de Bruin/Riaan Greyling (Ruwacon behind reigning South African champions and the brothers took the opportunity to Ford Ranger), who fi nished behind them, Evan Hutchison/Achim Bergmann in the go racing together. hit with exactly the same penalty. Motorite BAT. It was the ideal platform “We had a great time,” said There were no starters in Class for van Staden and Rossouw who are in Hamish. ”The win was a wonderful D where new cars are in the pipeline but only their second full season of national reunion present.” the Ford and Woolridge cups overfl owed racing. The brothers took charge of when 18-year-old Lance Woolridge, “We were never out of the Class B when reigning champion Derick son of Neil, scored his maiden national top fi ve and when cars ahead of us du Toit/Rod Jeffrey (Orange Tree BAT) championship win in Class E. The pair dropped up or picked up problems we also fell by the wayside. Power steering started at the back of the fi eld, and after suddenly found ourselves leading,” said problems and then engine failure fi nally a long day at the offi ce, young Woolridge a delighted van Staden. “We always forced the Cape crew into calling it a and veteran Ward Huxtable were the had the feeling that under a special set day. last of the classifi ed fi nishers in a factory of circumstances we could win a race. The Makenete brothers, Keith Ford Racing Ranger. “Those circumstances cropped up today and Andrew, in a Zarco, and Simon Pretoria crew Johan van Staden and to say we are over the moon is an Beckett/Steve Harris (Century Racing and James Rossouw wrote their names understatement.” BAT) were the other high profi le Class B into the off road record books when they Van Staden and Rossouw casualties. won the Special Vehicle category this were fi fth at the designated service weekend. Van Staden and Rossouw, in point after the fi rst of the two loops the KEC BAT, became the fi rst Class P that made up the race. On lap two race Final Classifi cation: crew to win an Absa series event overall. leaders Hutchison/Bergmann retired Production Vehicles - Class SP In a stunning performance van Staden/ with mechanical problems with Adenco 01) N. Woolridge/K. Skjoldhammer - 06hr 55m 57s 02) H. Grobler/H. Ter Stege + 02m 27s Rossouw outlasted a string of more 400 winners Shameer Variawa/Siegfried 03) D. Vos/R. Howie + 03m 36s fancied premier Class A crews. Rousseau (Total Motorsport Porter) put The pair came in just over 13 out of action when they hit a rock and Production Vehicles - Class E minutes ahead of the father and son tore off a front wheel. 01) L. Woolridge/W. Huxtable - 11hr 24m 56s team of Hermann and Wichard Sullwald The Sullwald’s and the Harpers Special Vehicles - Class A in the Sullwald Racing SVR. For the were slowed by punctures and other 01) H.W. Sullwald/H. Sullwald - 07hr 10m 59s 02) N. Harper/R. Harper + 21m 01s Sullwald’s it was only their second outing niggles and it played into the hands of 03) J. Zahos/S. Coetzee + 36m 13s in the car and they had plenty in hand van Staden/Rossouw. A cracked exhaust over another father/son combination in late in the race was the only problem Special Vehicles - Class B 01) J. Van Staden/J. Rossouw - 06hr 57m 22s Nick and Ryan Harper (Atlas Copco BAT) for van Staden/Rossouw but by then the 02) A. Rutherford/C. Doubtfi re + 45m 59s who completed the podium positions. writing was on the wall. 03) B. Bertholdt/P. Herselman + 18m 33s EVENTS

HAPPY HUNTING GROUND FOR CASTROL TEAM TOYOTA IN MPUMALANGA SARC: SASOL RALLY 23 - 24 April 2010 The Sasol South African Rally Championship moves to Mpumalanga for the third round of the series, the Sasol Rally, this weekend.

Story by Staff Writer potential from the car without doing step for the Toyota Dealer Rally in Pictures by Motorpics terminal damage. the Cape. That provided us with an “Johnny went into the fi nal improvement in our competitiveness – to Traditionally staged on challenging stage knowing that he had to beat the point that Johnny was well placed to forest type roads in the area around Hergen’s time by at least six seconds win the rally had they not had a mistake Nelspruit, Sabie, and White River, this on a 17km stage to win the event. All in their notes that put them just far event offers a superb blend of special good and well, but with Hergen running enough off the road to damage a tyre stage conditions and exceptional access ahead of him on the road and no way and Mark was right on the pace as well. for spectators. It is an event in which of knowing just how fast the VW was That’s how close things are right now. the Castrol Team Toyota fares very well through the stage, Johnny had to push A single puncture is enough to put you in what is usually a very close fought to the limit but at the same time keep right out of the running. contest amongst the leading cars. the car on the edge of its technical “For the Sasol we have worked “The Sasol Rally is one of limits. In the end Johnny delivered the on identifying issues that could result the more challenging events on our six seconds to snatch the win by the in reliability issues. We have examined calendar,” says Toyota Team Castrol narrowest of margins. key components and identifi ed a number team principal, Glyn Hall. “It is unique in “When you have this type of of areas where we believe we were that it is the one event in the year that chase there is always a possibility that vulnerable. However it’s that nature of offers a true forest rallying experience. both the leading crews can chase each the sport that the stronger you build the This is a very technical event for drivers other off the road so you really need cars the harder they will get driven but and navigators, probably the most depth in the team and last year Mark we feel we have a good balance right challenging in the year for them. It has Cronje provided that depth and showed now with the drivers able to use the cars been a happy hunting ground for Toyota that he was up to the pressure of the to chase hard with confi dence when they in the past. chase as well. have to. We have certainly identifi ed “This event offers a bit of “Based on their showing last a number of problem areas and have everything in terms of stage character. year I expect that both Johnny and reviewed a number of processes where There are signifi cant changes in Mark will be right in the mix over the external suppliers weren’t quite up to elevation, varied stage surfaces and weekend. The Auris has also shown scratch with their implementation of our a mix of tight forest tracks and more itself to be well suited to this event. We specifi cation. open higher speed sections. As technical have the right ingredients for an exciting “We have a programme of as the event is for the crews, it is just weekend together with our partners exciting developments in process that as demanding on the vehicles and the Castrol, Imperial, and the Innovation will provide enhanced performance but service crews. Some sections can be Group. there is a signifi cant amount of work to really rough and will test the cars to “This year has seen a change in do before we see any major changes to their mechanical limits, especially if the the dynamics of the championship with the cars. One of these will be to take competition is close and the crews have the arrival of ‘next generation’ S2000 advantage of the extra 20mm of width to really extend themselves in a do-or- technology. The Ford, for instance, allowed as part of a pretty big upgrade die chase for glory like we had in this has been designed and built to take that we should have in place when the event last year. full advantage of the rules to provide season resumes after the break for the “Who can forget the hugely a platform for a new generation WRC Soccer World Cup. exciting dice between the Auris S2000 car rather than as a specifi c S2000 car “For now it’s all eyes on of Johnny Gemmell and Hergen Fekken such as the Auris. This has forced us Nelspruit where rally enthusiasts in last year’s Sasol? The lead changed to raise our game with a programme of can expect a massively competitive between these two almost kilometre by constant improvement, something that and entertaining event with Johnny kilometre in the fi nal stages of the event is engrained in the Toyota life through Gemmel and Mark Cronje, together with run on the roughest terrain seen over the Kaizen philosophy (continuous navigators Drew Sturrock and Robert the weekend where it all came down improvement). Paisley there in the fi ght for the win.” to a fi ne balance of extracting the full “We had quite a big technical EVENTS CRONIN LEADS CHARGE IN CUMBRIA BRC: PIRELLI INTERNATIONAL RALLY 23 - 24 April 2010 While reigning champion Keith Cronin leads the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship after one round, any one of around a dozen drivers could jostle him for podium position on the Pirelli International Rally this weekend.

Story by www.rally-brc.com 000 bursary, so he and Craig Drew have Petri Nikara were stunning on the put in a last minute entry in their older Renault Clio R2’s UK debut, overcoming The 2009 Pirelli Star Driver and new Impreza. teething problems with the brand new co-driver Barry McNulty have gelled Pirelli TEG Sport’s second crew car to even set a top ten time on the with the Pirelli TEG Sport team well, Euan Thorburn and Paul Beaton had a fi nal Welsh stage. managing some pre-season testing in cracking start to the season, helping Citroen C2R2 Max pair Mark the unfamiliar Subaru Impreza to lead forge a lead in the MSA British Teams Donnelly and Paddy Robinson were the the fi rst round from SS1. Rally Championship with a fourth place class of the class in Wales, taking victory But the Kielder stages are ultra in Wales. Retirement on the Pirelli in the Citroen Racing Trophy as well as fast, arguably suiting the Mitsubishi last year means that they have less R2, also adding a win on his Irish CRT Evo that some of their competition are experience of the stages though, so a debut a couple of weeks ago. driving. It is in the latest Evolution good recce will be essential. Despite not being registered X Mitsubishi that 1996 British Rally A late string of top three times for the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Champion /Chris in Wales by Jonny Greer/Dai Roberts in Championship, WRC star PG Anderson Patterson will mount a challenge to the their Evo IX put them in the hunt for will be out in a Fiesta R2 to battle it out young Irishmen, their JR Motorsports overall honours in Cumbria. The young with the rest, certain to impress in the car’s transmission fully repaired after a driver was fi fth here last year and fi fth new shape Fiesta. galling fi rst round retirement. on round one, but with only a handful of Another star to watch in the 2009 multiple Fiesta weeks between events, their good pace two wheel drive category will be Mikko SportTrophy champions Craig Breen/ near the fi nish should carry forward. Pajunen/Janne Perala. The Finnish crew Gareth Roberts are also likely to be Rounding off the top ten are were a joy to watch in Wales, wringing quick, but the Fiesta S2000 had fuel David Bogie/Kevin Rae and Daniel every ounce out of the Suzuki to win pressure problems in Wales while lying Sigurdarson/Asta Sigurdardottir, Bogie the Swift Sport Cup and class R1 by a second, a fault that has now been having taken third place in 2009, while country mile. resolved. The pair come fresh from Rally former Icelandic Champion Sigurdarson The Pirelli International Rally is Turkey where they lay 19th at the end of has previous experience of the Carlisle- based entirely at the Carlisle Racecourse the Day One. based event in his JR Motorsports team from where it starts at 18h30, heading Inheriting Breen’s second place Mitsubishi. out for three stages in Kershope were Alastair Fisher/Rory Kennedy. But Outside the top ten but Forest. The event re-starts at 07h00 they also suffered transmission failure, certainly worthy of note in four wheel on Saturday with three loops of three so will look to maintain the excellent drive cars are former Citroen front- stages, before returning to Carlisle for momentum from seven fastest stage runner Jason Pritchard and African Pirelli the ceremonial fi nish just before 19h00. times on the more recent Circuit of Star Driver Peter Horsey. Pritchard Ireland Rally where they fi nished third improved on every stage in Wales while overall. Kenyan Horsey will hope for a better Cronin’s nearest points rivals weekend than this weekend’s Rally Dave Weston Jnr and Ieuan Thomas are Turkey where his car was destroyed by in an almost identical Subaru. With an fi re. outright win on the Border Counties Rally In the classes and and second place on Rally North Wales, Andrew Edwards will be hard to beat in the Ramsport pair is up for a fi ght and R3, taking class victory on their Dulux will want to at least repeat their podium Trade MSA British Rally Championship experience. debut as well as beating the newer R2 A shock result for 2008 Pirelli Fiestas in the Fiesta SportTrophy. The Star Driver Adam Gould put him third Welsh youngster also leads the fi ght for in Wales, but it was an event done on a the prestigious MSA British Teams Rally shoestring for the youngster. However, Championship ahead of Mark Donnelly. the MSA Team UK member has just had Class R2 will be hard to call some good news in the form of a £10 though, as Finnish duo Jarkko Nikara/ EVENTS COMPETITION HOTS UP AT OLYMPUS RA: OLYMPUS RALLY 24 - 25 April 2010 One of the most scenic events on the Rally America calendar promises to be one of its most competitive when round three of the Rally America National Championship takes place in Washington State’s picturesque Olympic Peninsula on 24 - 25 April.

Story by Evan Rothman The headquarters has moved from the overall rally win to validate their threat Pictures by WorldRallyPics birthplace of Grunge Music in Aberdeen as championship competitors. to the Ocean Shores Convention Center In the 2 Wheel Drive Class, The Olympus Rally includes mountain in Ocean Shores, Washington. But many Chris Duplessis will look for his third backdrops, temperate rain forests, and of the competition roads will remain victory in a row. He currently leads ocean views all of which will complement closer to the Pacifi c Coast, except for the his class driving a 20-year-old 1990 top national rally teams slipping, sliding addition of the mountainous Crane Creek Volkswagen GTI that consistently beats and jumping along the peninsula’s gravel Stage set more inland in the Olympic newer cars with twice the horsepower. roads at formidable speeds. mountain range. Before the Olympus Rally on This year, however, two The Olympus Rally has been Thursday there will be a public charity new teams have quietly joined the part of the Rally America calendar function, located at the Pacifi c Grand Prix championship with the skills to win since 2007. It brings a rich rally history (www.pacifi cgp.com), a karting facility and that will stir up the competition at that’s revered by Rally America fans. on the grounds of Pacifi c Raceways in Olympus. Olympus was part of the fi rst U.S. Rally Kent. The charity function will be in Canada’s current rally champion Championship in 1973 and hosted support of the Ronald McDonald House. and Canadian Subaru Rally Team driver international teams in the World Rally Press stages will also be open to the Patrick Richard and Former Subaru Rally Championship from 1986-1988 during public on Thursday allowing fans and Team USA driver Ramana Lagemann the “” years (light rally cars media another opportunity to catch the have both entered the Olympus Rally. with big horsepower). Olympus actually rally action fi rst hand. Both are former X Games competitors. hosted the last “Group B” event—the There will be two Parc Exposes The Richard and Lagemann teams aren’t spirit of which still lingers in the gravel. where fans can get up close and full time competitors in the Rally America The Rally America personal with teams and drivers. They Series but they are expected to steal Championship battle resumes after a will be held on Saturday, April 24 at points from teams that are. Richard and month long break and fans will be given 8:00am and Sunday, April 25 at 7:00am Lagemann will play a role in the 2010 the opportunity to meet their favorite in Ocean Shores, WA. championship. Both are expected to drivers making headlines across the Olympus is a very tight and compete for overall podium fi nishes. world. technical rally that can dismember a These two enter Olympus when The Monster World Rally Team competitor’s car with lots of elevation points will be on everyone’s mind, as and driver Ken Block will be returning changes, hidden logs, large rocks, and the top four teams with the most points to the U.S. from their international tire slicing sharp gravel. The weather is not already invited to the X Games will rally racing debut in Mexico and Turkey. very unpredictable along the coast and be one step closer to being invited to X Block is also coming off his fi fth 100 drivers must prepare for either dry dusty Games competition. Last year’s X Games Acre Wood Rally win in Missouri back in roads or the infamous spring rains of the medalists have already been invited February. coastal Northwest. back. X Games athletes and Subaru It looks like 2010 Olympus will Richard will be competing in the Rally Team USA drivers, be a clash of Titans in North American Open Class threatening the dominance and Dave Mirra, will be waiting to rally with names like Block, Pastrana, of four-time defending champion make a statement at Olympus after L’Estage, Bacon, Mirra, Comrie-Picard, Travis Pastrana and Ken Block, winner uncharacteristically not fi nishing on the Hanson, Richard, and Lagemann. of February’s 100 Acre Wood Rally in podium at the 100 Acre Wood Rally. Event schedules, team entries, Missouri. Lagemann’s presence will Consistency by drivers Antoine and a (soon to be available) spectator threaten the points spread that current L’Estage and Bill Bacon has them leading guide complete with driving directions Super Production Class leader, Travis the Rally America Championship after can be located at: http://rally-america. Hanson, has secured after winning the fi rst two rounds of the season. com/events/2010/Olympus/ the Class in the fi rst two events of the L’Estage, a former Canadian and North season. American champion, leads the standings. There will be other small Bacon, a fi refi ghter from Massachusetts, changes in this year’s Olympus Rally. is in second. Both are still looking for an ATKINSON TO STAR IN APRC RALLY MALAYSIA, ROUND ONE APRC: RALLY MALAYSIA 23 - 25 April 2010 The 2010 Asia-Pacifi c Rally Championship kicks off this weekend in Malaysia, and promises exciting rally action with WRC star EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP IS GO Chris Atkinson looking ERC: RALLY 1000 MIGLIA to take charge here. 23 - 24 April 2010 The fi rst round of the 2010 European Rally Championship (ERC) takes place in Italy for the Story by Evan Rothman Rally 1000 Miglia. Located in the tropics, Malaysia is made up of two parts - Peninsular Malaysia extending from the border of Thailand south to Singapore, and East Malaysia Story by Evan Rothman 258,0 will be competitive kilometres. consisting of the states of Sabah and Pictures by www.rally-erc.com Rally 1000 Miglia is one of three rallies Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The comprising the prestigious “Trident rally base will be in the city of Johor The fi rst round of the 2010 European Trophy” events (the other two being the Bahru which is also linked to Singapore Rally Championship (ERC) takes place Ypres Westhoek Rally in Belgium and by road and rail. Johor Bahru receives in Italy for the Rally 1000 Miglia. Known the Rallye Antibes in France). Most of more than 60% of the country’s annual more famously around the world as the the stages have been used in previous 16 million foreign tourists via its bridges “Mille Miglia”, this famous race was fi rst editions of this special rally. and road links to Singapore. run in 1927 to 1957 from Brescia to This event is a spectator- With a population of Rome and back, and now it is run as a friendly event, and to illustrate this the approximately 876,000 in the city, it stage event. 2009 running of the event attracted is the fourth most populated city in Organised by the Automobile more than 80 000 fans, and over 130 Malaysia. Club of Brescia, this event was run for media representatives! To enlighten you The Stages are in the vicinity of the fi rst time in 1977: since 1993 it to the cultures of the world, this rally Kota Tinggi, which is located north east received FIA accreditation, and only is run in the Italian province of Brescia. of Johor Bahru. The main service park is in 2001 was it incorporated into the Near to the mountains (many ski resorts located in Johor Bahru at the Angsana European Rally Championship calendar. are within one hour’s drive), the area Shopping Complex which is located After two years in Brescia and another is surrounded by three lakes and is about 11km from the Offi cial Hotel of the two in Montichiari, and located in internationally renowned as a holiday rally. Desenzano last year, it heads to back to destination for its swimming, sailing have done well in its roots in Brecia. Here the Ceremonail and surfi ng. Also it boasts some of the Malaysia for the last fi ve years. In 2006, Start and Finish will be held in this best wines (red, white and sparkling) 2007, 2008 and 2009, won historic town. produced in Franciacorta. outright, and in 2005 Toshi Arai won. Entered into the Italian Rally Year after year, Rally 1000 In 2010 the fi eld will be dominated by Championship in 1985, the Rally 1000 Miglia had moved forward to the top of Mitusbishi Lancers with the welcome Miglia attracts some of the best rally motorsport events in Italy and in 2010 appearance again of the Proton S2000 drivers in Europe and boasts more - being the fact that there will be no cars. than 100 crews. Past winners of this WRC event in Italy - it will be the most As Malaysian Rally 2010 is the prestigious event include Dario Cerrato, important rally event in the country. On fi rst round of both APRC and Asia Cup for , Gianfranco Cunico, the basis of very good FIA Observers’ 2010, teams will be keen to score Piero Longhi, Andrea Dallavilla, Renato reports, the FIA Rally Commission has maximum points to start their season Travaglia, Miguel Campos, Giandomenico confi rmed again Rally 1000 Miglia among off well. The new schedule for this year’s Basso and . the top 11 events of the European Rally event allows a totally revised This rally is run through the Championship. schedule for APRC, to rationalize the most picturesque parts of northern Italy, logistics requirements and planning for and the stages are set on smooth and the teams. wide tarmac roads. The event is held Competitors will tackle 16 over two days with six different stages stages over a total distance of 589,56km (which will be repeated), and a “TV and a competitive distance of 236,42km. Stage” (a 2km Spectator SuperSpecial Only eight of the rally stages are stage). This will add up to a total different, and are repeated later in the distance of 844,05 kilometres, of which event.