SECOND LEG OF THE ITALY-SARDINIA RALLY BALDACCI'S OFFICIAL FIAT PUNTO ABARTH FIGHTS BACK

The second stage of the Italy-Sardinia Rally was fought out today (Saturday, April 30); two official Fiat Punto Abarths, driven by Mirco Baldacci-Giovanni Bernacchini and Luca Cecchettini-Massimo Daddoveri, are competing in this event, the third valid for the Junior World Championship. In spite of finishing the first leg in 8th and 9th places, having been held up by punctures in the first special speed trial, which penalised Baldacci by 4 minutes and Cecchettini by 6, at the end of the second leg (which included 5 special speed trials), Mirco Baldacci had climbed back to provisional 4th place. And the driver from San Marino even overcame problems caused by a light attack of food poisoning overnight, maintaining a steady pace and a high speed, which enabled him to make up four places. Luca Cecchettini was less fortunate, and broke a drive shaft in the final trial of the day. He will start the last leg tomorrow (Sunday, May 1) with a 5 minute penalty. The Spanish driver, Sordo (Citroen), currently leads the race.

Junior World Championship standings after the 2nd leg of the Italy-Sardinia Rally:
1. Sordo (Citroen) 3 hr 37' 01'1", 2. Aava (Suzuki) at 2' 32.7"; 3. Katajamaki (Suzuki) at 2' 40.5"; 4. Baldacci (Fiat Punto Abarth) at 6' 12.4"; 5. Betti (Renault) at 6' 24.2".

In the photograph: Mirco Baldacci's official Fiat Punto Abarth in action at the Italy-Sardinia Rally.


Torino, April 30, 2005




IMAGES FIAT PUNTO ABARTH

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