International Rally Challenge

The Grande Punto driven by Umberto Scandola got off to a good start in the Rallye du Valais. Handicapped by the time set immediately in the first speed trial when Bernd Casier went off the road, the Abarth driver from Veneto reacted at once and set the best time in the second timed stretch with an excellent performance that let him catch up with leader Nicolas Vouilloz. Andrea Navarra’s start was less successful: the driver from Cesena had a puncture in the other Grande Punto, which caused him to lose a minute on the road and slip down the table.

The second leg will be run tomorrow, Friday 26. There will be another seven speed trials including the one at Le Guercet, 37.31 kilometres long including six kilometres of dirt road, the longest in the Swiss rally, which is valid for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge title.

Turin, October 25, 2007