TRIUNFO DE ALBERT COLL, Y VAN TRES . . .
3.9.2010 von Wolfgang.
El pasado fin de semana tuvo lugar, en el Circuito Mallorca Renn Arena de Llucmajor, la 4ª prueba puntuable para el Campeonato de Baleares de karting, y de nuevo el piloto mallorquín Albert Coll se proclamó vencedor del meeting en la categoria Open II.
El piloto de SUSHICLUB, fue el más rápido en los entrenamientos clasificatorios, obteniendo así la pole. Albert, ganaba la primera manga de carrera y conseguia en la segunda manga una brillante segunda posición, que le hacia subir a lo más alto del podium.
Con este nuevo triunfo, Albert, pasa de la 5ª plaza del campeonato a la 3ª posición, a tan sólo 5 puntos del segundo clasificado, y con aspiraciones más claras de volver a revalidar el título de Campeón de Baleares de karting, obtenido en las temporadas 2006 y 2008.
La próxima y penúltima cita del campeonato, para el piloto mallorquín, tendrá lugar dentro de dos semanas en la isla de Menorca.
Albert: “El campeonato se puso muy difícil, por el abandono en la primera carrera, pero he remontado gracias a las tres victorias consecutivas. Tengo muchas posibilidades de volver a ganar el campeonato, ya que sólo faltan dos carreras, y lo voy a intentar”.
Cronin wants more IRC action with PROTON
2.9.2010 von Wolfgang.
Keith Cronin says he wants to get back behind the wheel of a PROTON Satria Neo S2000 in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge following a promising debut for the Malaysian manufacturer on Barum Czech Rally Zlin last week.
The 24-year-old Irishman had posted a succession of top 10 fastest stage times when he crashed out close to the finish of the penultimate stage of the opening day of the demanding asphalt event.
He said: "I want to do something with PROTON again but I don’t know when at the moment. It took me a little while to get to grips with the car but it was perfect, a fantastic car. I couldn’t believe it when I went off. It was so disappointing and I hurt my wrist a bit but that was nothing compared with the feeling of being out of the event. But it was a fantastic chance for me and one I’m not going to forget for a long time."
Cronin and co-driver Barry McNulty were in 14th overall when they crashed. They were fifth fastest on stage six of the event and seventh quickest on stage seven, despite overshooting a junction.
PROTON’s next IRC outing is currently scheduled for October’s RACMSA Rally of Scotland.
Keith Cronin impressed on his debut for the PROTON IRC team
Route changes for Rally of Scotland revealed
The penultimate round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, October’s RACMSA Rally of Scotland, has undergone a few changes with the addition of a new stage on the final day of the spectacular gravel event.
A new stage, Clashmore, has been introduced to replace Achray, which can no longer be used due to access issues, on day two of the event. As a result, the Loch Ard stage will be trimmed from 33.52 kilometres to 29.04 kilometres to accommodate the new test.
Furthermore, the finish at Stirling Castle on Sunday 17 October will also be 30 minutes earlier than scheduled at 15:04hrs local time, while the remote service on Sunday has been switched from Callander to Aberfoyle.
Clerk of the Course Iain Campbell said: "The new stage is more of a technical challenge than we had before. The start is very narrow with off-camber corners before joining a new forest road that takes in part of the Loch Ard stage. The final two-thirds are very fast and the committed driver will make the most of this test."
More information on the event can be found via the official website www.rallyofscotland.com.
Zlin Subaru Individual Award for Stajf
The latest Subaru Individual Award has gone to Vojtech Stajf following his run to 17th place on Barum Czech Rally Zlin, which took place in southeast Czech Republic from 27-29 August.
Driving for the Czech National Subaru Team, Stajf was making his second start in this year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge following his appearance on Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo in January where he finished 14th alongside regular co-driver Marcela Doleckova.
The Subaru Individual Award is presented on each of the 12 IRC rounds this year to the highest-placed Subaru finisher and demonstrates the support that Subaru is extending to its customer drivers in the IRC in 2010.
Olivier Burri (Monte Carlo), Juan San Martin (Curitiba), Gabriel Pozzo (Argentina), Jose Barrios (Canary Islands), Teemu Arminen (Sardinia), Florian Gonon (Ypres), Sergio Silva (Azores) and Pedro Meireles (Madeira) are the other Subaru Individual Award winners so far this season.
Vojtech Stajf is the latest Subaru Individual Award winner
Miclotte reveals late scare in Zlin
Barum Czech Rally Zlin-winning navigator Frederic Miclotte has revealed that he and driver Freddy Loix suffered a dramatic moment of their own in the closing stages of the thrilling Intercontinental Rally Challenge event, which featured three changes of lead on the final four stages.
The Belgian pair secured their third win in as many starts in the IRC this season on the rain-hit asphalt rally in their Skoda Motorsport Fabia S2000. Despite being a relatively comfortable 25 seconds clear of closest rivals Juho Hanninen and Mikko Markkula at the finish in Zlin on Sunday afternoon, there was a moment when Miclotte feared their bid for victory would end prematurely.
"From looking at the data the team realised there was a problem with the gearbox and that it would have to be changed in the final service," said Miclotte. "We only had 20 minutes and it normally takes more than this. But the guys changed it in 14 minutes, which was really amazing. The team did a perfect job so we’re very happy even though it was quite a tense finish."
www.rally-irc.com
Joan Perelló en el G.P. San Marino
2.9.2010 von Wolfgang.
El joven piloto balear Joan Perelló sustituirá a Isaac Viñales en el Lambretta Reparto Corse, tras lesionarse este último en el G.P. de Indianápolis.
El equipo italiano se interesó por Perelló tras observar su evolución en los últimos grandes premios en los que ha participado, el G.P. de España en Jerez y el G.P. de Catalunya en Montmeló, seleccionándolo para sustituir a Viñales, mientras esté lesionado.
De esta manera, Joan ha dado un pequeño pero importante avance, pasando de ser wildcar (piloto invitado) a piloto oficial de un equipo. El mallorquín estará asesorado en esta nueva aventura por Eduardo Perales, cuya experiencia en el equipo que dirige, el SAG Castrol Honda, le será de vital importancia.
La primera carrera en la que Joan “vestirá” los colores del Lambretta Corse será en el G.P. de San Marino, que se disputa este próximo fin de semana del 3 al 5 de septiembre en el Circuito de Missano Adriático.
Joan Perello: “ Me hace especial ilusión participar en un nuevo circuito del Campeonato del Mundo, ya que me irá muy bien de cara a un futuro no muy lejano, eso espero. Le quiero dar las gracias a Edu Perales y al equipo Lambretta Corse por esta gran oportunidad, y espero no defraudarles”.
Koldo Zuazaga - Ferbis Press
XXXI PUJADA PUIGMAJOR 2010
2.9.2010 von Wolfgang.
Núm. CONCURSANTE PILOTO VEHÍCULO GR. CL.
1 ESC. URBASA Pedro Roca SILVER CAR S2 CM 18ª
2 E. MCA. COMPETICIÓ Mario Hekke BANGO BRC 05 CM 18ª
3 E. TR BALEAR Andres Barceló SPEED-CAR GT 1000 CM 18ª
4 E. TR BALEAR Toni Villa RADICAL RPA CM 18ª
5 E. ILLES BALEARS Jose M. Pons SPEED-CAR XTREM CC 23ª
6 E. BENGALA Raul Borreguero AUDI A4 ST A2 9ª
7 E. PENEDES COMPETICIÓ Francesc Munné FORD SIERRA COSW. A2 9ª
8 E. DRACH Juan Gost SEAT LEON 1.8 TURBO A2 9ª
9 E. MITJA ILLA Jaime V. Cerda BMW M3 A2 9ª
10 P.A.S.Q. Raul Palenzuela RENAULT CLIO 3 A2 8ª
11 P.A.S.Q. Sebastian Tizon RENAULT CLIO CUP A2 8ª
12 P.A.S.Q. Mariano Planells RENAULT CLIO SPORT II F2000 22ª
14 E. MCA. COMPETICIÓ Julián Gómez MITSUBISHI CARISMA EVO VI A 6ª
15 P.A.S.Q. Miguel A. Garcia RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS A 5ª
16 E. MCA. COMPETICIÓ Gaspar Lladó RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS A 5ª
17 P.A.S.Q. Guillermo Cuart HYUNDAI COUPE 2,0 KIT CAR A 5ª
18 P.A.S.Q. Tomas Garcia SEAT IBIZA 2,0 GTI A 5ª
19 E. ILLES BALEARS Bartolomé Pons RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS A 5ª
20 E. ILLES BALEARS Antonio D. García PEUGEOT 206 SUPER 1600 A 4ª
21 P.A.S.Q. Jaime Martorell CITRÖEN SAXO VTS A 4ª
22 P.A.S.Q. Jose Martorell CITRÖEN SAXO VTS KIT CAR A 4ª
23 A.C.I.F. Sergio Sanchez CITROEN SAXO VTS 16 A 4ª
24 E. MCA. COMPETICIÓ Silvia Villoslada CITROEN SAXO VTS 16 A 4ª
25 E. DRACH Juan D. Bauza CITROEN SAXO VTS 16 A 4ª
26 E. MCA. COMPETICIÓ Arnau Bisquerra MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO VII N 3ª
27 P.A.S.Q. Jaime Riera RENAULT CLIO WILLIAMS N 2ª
28 E. MCA. COMPETICIÓ Jaime Sampol RENAULT CLIO SPORT N 2ª
29 A.C.I.F. Juan J. Ramon RENAULT CLIO RS N 2ª
30 E. DRACH Juan M. Jimenez SEAT IBIZA GTI 2.0 N 2ª
31 E. DRACH Francisco J. Bernat CITROEN AX GTI N 1ª
32 E. MCA. COMPETICIÓ Juan A. Amengual FORD ESCORT RS TURBO R 13ª
33 E. TR BALEAR Toni M. Ordinas PEUGEOT 205 GTI R 12ª
34 P.A.S.Q. Alex Oliver PEUGEOT 205 RALLYE R 10ª
35 E. TR BALEAR Ernesto Cerdá PEUGEOT 205 RALLYE R 10ª
36 P.A.S.Q. Miguel Cladera PEUGEOT 205 RALLYE R 10ª
37 E. TR BALEAR Gaspar Tomas PEUGEOT 205 RALLYE R 10ª
38 E. TR BALEAR "TACHO" PORSCHE 911 RSR H 17ª
39 E. TR BALEAR Miguel Barcelo BMW 323 I H 17ª
40 E. TR BALEAR Antonio Dezcallar MITSUBISHI EX TURBO H 17ª
41 E. TR BALEAR Lorenzo Mayol FORD ESCORT MK1 2.0 H 17ª
42 E. TR BALEAR Francisco Piza WOLKSVAGEN GOLF GTI H 15ª
43 E. TR BALEAR Jose Juan Alvarez FORD ANGLIA 105 H 15ª
www.fa-ib.es
Rallye Vall de Sant Pere 2010
2.9.2010 von Wolfgang.
La Escudería Mallorca Competició tiene el placer de enviarle la documentación
relativa al Rallye Vall de Sant Pere, que está previsto que se dispute los días 24
y 25 de septiembre.
Para cualquier consulta o información adicional que precisen pueden contactar
con los siguientes teléfonos:
-Comité de Organización: 626.13.89.43 (Arnau Bisquerra)
-Departamento de Prensa: 619.67.46.44 (Miguel Ferrer)
Al mismo tiempo nos complace invitarles a la presentación de esta prueba que
tendrá lugar el próximo 15 de septiembre a las 19:30 horas en las instalaciones
del Concesionario SEAT Amcars, del Polígono de Son Castelló de Palma.
Les agradeceremos la máxima difusión en los medios de comunicación que
representan, y a las escuderías, que hagan llegar dicha información a sus respectivos
pilotos.
Miguel Ferrer Tel. + 34 619.674.644 mferrer@ferbispress.com
Arnau Bisquerra Tel. + 34 626 138 943 abisquerra@ferbispress.com
Anpfiff für die heiße Phase der Superleague Formula by Sonangol
2.9.2010 von Wolfgang.
Mit dem Start in die neue Fußball-Saison meldet sich auch die Superleague Formula by Sonangol am kommenden Wochenende (4./5. September) aus der Sommerpause zurück.
Die achte Runde der Superleague Formula auf dem Adria International Raceway eröffnet die heiße Saisonphase. Am 4. und 5. September geht es im 70 km von Venedig gelegenen Adria in die nächste Runde. Das bescheidene Städtchen liegt in der Provinz Rovigo und bietet neben einer idyllischen Landschaft auch eine technisch sehr anspruchsvolle Rennstrecke. Seit Jahren werden dort die in Europa führenden Markenpokale ausgetragen. Mit einer Länge von 2,7 km zählt der Adria International Raceway im Rennkalender zu den kürzeren Strecken. Insgesamt 13 schnelle Passagen und enge Kurven warten auf die Piloten.
Aufgrund des Horror-Crashs von Chris van der Drift in Brands Hatch muss sich der gebürtige Neuseeländer noch immer auskurieren und gezwungenermaßen aussetzen. Mit dem Briten Ben Hanley hat man einen schnellen Ersatzpiloten für die Adria-Rennen gefunden. Der ehemalige Formel Renault 3.5 Vizemeister und GP2-Pilot übernimmt das Cockpit des griechischen Fußballvereins Olympiacos. Für Hanley wird es der erste Einsatz in einem SF-Boliden. Aus sportlicher Sicht liegt Van der Drift mit Olympiacos in der Gesamtwertung auf Platz vier, mit nur 57 Punkten Rückstand auf den Tabellenführenden.
Aktueller Spitzenreiter im Titelkampf ist Yelmer Buurman (AC Mailand). Im belgischen Zolder übernahm er die Führung und verwies Craig Dolby (Tottenham Spur) auf den zweiten Platz. Trotz fehlender Streckenkenntnisse soll seine bisherige Erfolgsserie, gerade für den AC Mailand beim Heim Grand Prix, weitergehen. "Ich habe auf der Playstation trainiert und gehört, dass es ein sehr kleiner Kurs sein soll. Dennoch stimmte unsere Performance bei den bisherigen Rennen und ich bin optimistisch, dass es so bleibt."
Lediglich zwei Punkte trennen die beiden Titelanwärter Buurman und Dolby voneinander. Auch der Brite stimmte sich mithilfe von Videos auf die Strecke ein. "Ich will die Meisterschaftsführung zurück", lautet die klare Ansage. "In Brands Hatch waren wir sehr schnell und ich bin davon überzeugt, dass es in Adria und Portimao so weitergeht. Die nächsten beiden Stationen sind sehr wichtig in Hinblick auf die Meisterschaft."
Dritter im Bunde ist Davide Rigon (RSC Anderlecht), der sich auf seiner Heimstrecke einiges vorgenommen hat. Der Italiener kennt den Rundkurs bestens und stand schon in der Formel 3 und Formel Renault ganz oben auf dem Podest. "Ich habe gute Erinnerungen an Adria. Für die SF ist es wahrscheinlich die langsamste Strecke im Kalender, bei der es nicht einfach sein wird ein optimales Setup zu finden." Das Rennen in der Heimat ist für Rigon etwas Besonderes, bei dem er natürlich das Beste aus sich herausholen will. "Mein Traum ist, die Tabellenspitze zurückzuerobern."
Der Deutsche Max Wissel (FC Basel) ist mit Platz fünf im Gesamtklassement auch weiterhin im Titelrennen und hat noch alle Chancen.
Im Olympique Lyonnais Boliden nimmt an diesem Wochenende Celso Miguez Platz, der im letzten Jahr den Vizetitel der European F3 Open einfuhr. Duncan Tappy ersetzt Franck Perrera (Flamengo).
Die Rennen können wie gewohnt im Live-Streaming auf der Homepage der Superleague Formula live verfolgt werden (www.superleagueformula.com).
Ein Fest für die Fans: 20 Prozent mehr Action bei 20 Prozent niedrigeren Ticketpreisen für das Deutschland-Finale in Hockenheim
1.9.2010 von Wolfgang.
Wiesbaden. Noch knapp sieben Wochen, dann findet auf dem Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg das große Deutschland-Finale der DTM-Saison 2010 statt. Auch wenn in diesem Jahr im Anschluss an dieses Rennen noch zwei weitere Wertungsläufe ausgetragen werden, können sich die Fans in Deutschland auf eine spektakuläre Kulisse in Hockenheim verlassen. Ein besonderes Bonbon wurde nun vom Vorstand des ITR e.V. gemeinsam mit den beiden Premium-Automobilherstellern Audi und Mercedes-Benz eigens für die DTM-Fans entwickelt und vom DMSB (Deutscher Motorsport Bund e.V.) genehmigt: Der neunte DTM-Lauf auf dem Hockenheimring am 17. Oktober wird auf einer um ca. 20 Prozent gekürzten Streckenvariante ausgetragen. Eigens dafür werden die Rennstrecken-Verantwortlichen den notwendigen Umbau vor der Mercedes-Benz-Tribüne in die Wege leiten und vom DMSB abnehmen lassen. Die Spitzkehre des GP-Kurses wird in der modifizierten Variante ausgelassen, dafür werden die DTM-Fahrzeuge knapp 400 Meter vorher in der Parabolika zwei Mal scharf nach rechts in Richtung Motodrom abbiegen.
20 Prozent mehr Action
Eine 20 Prozent kürzere Strecke bedeutet für die Fans auch mehr Action. Durch das veränderte Layout kommen die DTM-Piloten in ihren Boliden auch rund 20 Prozent häufiger an den Fans vorbei und haben somit öfter die Möglichkeit, die Konkurrenten vor der neugestalteten Doppelkurve auszubremsen.
Beim großen Deutschland-Finale sind natürlich wieder alle Rahmenserien der DTM dabei: Die Formel 3 Euro Serie, der Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, die Seat Leon Supercopa und der Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup sorgen von Freitag bis Sonntag für jede Menge zusätzliche Rennaction.
Auch die ARD Chartshow wird ein letztes Mal in der DTM-Saison 2010 mit hochkarätigen Live-Acts in der Boxengasse für Aufsehen sorgen. Während des Pitwalks werden die Fans am Sonntag so richtig auf das Rennen eingestimmt.
Selbstverständlich wird auch das traditionelle Feuerwerk beim Deutschland-Finale der populärsten internationalen Tourenwagenserie nicht fehlen. Die Fans können sich wieder einmal auf eine ereignisreiche Veranstaltung in Hockenheim freuen.
20 Prozent Rabatt auf den Ticketpreis
Besonders erfreulich für die Fans: Neben 20 Prozent mehr Action gibt es ab sofort einen Nachlass von 20 Prozent auf alle Wochenendtickets der Kategorie Bronze für die Innentribüne A. Zu bestellen sind die rabattierten Tickets über die DTM-Ticketline unter 01805/72 30 00 (14ct/min aus dem dt. Festnetz/Mobilfunkhöchstpreis 42ct/min) sowie auf der offiziellen Website www.dtm.com.
ZLIN COLIN MCRAE IRC FLAT OUT TROPHY GOES TO KOPECKY
1.9.2010 von Wolfgang.
Jan Kopecky’s disappointment at losing out on victory on Barum Czech Rally Zlin on Sunday (29 August) has been eased slightly after he was chosen as the winner of the third Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy, which is presented to the most spectacular driver who best embodies the spirit of the rallying legend on rounds of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
Kopecky, who follows in the footsteps of previous winners Bruno Magalhaes and Freddy Loix, was handed the prestigious award by a panel of judges consisting of the IRC’s Motorsport Development Manager Jean-Pierre Nicolas, Gilbert Roy, the Director of Editorial and Programme Development for Eurosport Events, and Colin’s father Jim McRae, who was in Zlin to make the presentation to Skoda Motorsport driver Kopecky.
Chasing his second win in a row on the demanding asphalt event, Kopecky had led from the start and was 26 seconds clear in front when he crashed into retirement with three stages remaining. Nevertheless his performance, which included setting the fastest time on five of the rain-hit stages, was enough to earn him the prestigious accolade on round nine of the 2010 IRC season.
An emotional Kopecky said: "I have to say it’s a big honour. Colin was an official Skoda driver and [on Rally GB in 2005] I did the whole recce with him. He was a very good guy and it’s really sad what happened to him."
The judges also considered Keith Cronin, who set several top 10 stage times in the emerging PROTON Satria Neo S2000, and Vaclav Pech, who was battling for a top five finish in his showroom-specification Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX before an off dented his hopes. However, Jim McRae said that Kopecky was most deserving of the award because of the pace he displayed in the changeable conditions at the wheel of his Fabia Super 2000.
"I went to a few stages on Saturday and Sunday," said McRae, a five-time winner of the British Rally Championship and a trustee of the Colin McRae Vision charity. "The conditions were very difficult but Jan drove very well and was unlucky not to win. It’s for this reason that he was chosen."
The Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy will be presented on all remaining rounds of the IRC with an end of season trophy, the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Driver of the Year, also being handed over at the IRC’s end of season awards ceremony.
It was conceived following the formation of an official partnership in June between Eurosport Events, the promoter of the IRC, and Colin McRae Vision, a charity established following the death of the 1995 world rally champion, his young son Johnny and two family friends in a helicopter accident in 2007, which aims to improve health and education for children around the world.
Eurosport Events and Colin McRae Vision will work with organisers of selected rounds of the IRC to identify suitable projects and initiatives that help young people*.
The 2010 IRC season continues with Rallye Sanremo, round ten of the series, from 23-25 September when the next Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy will be presented.
*Prior to the start of Barum Czech Rally Zlin, reigning IRC champion Kris Meeke, an ambassador of Colin McRae Vision, presented a cheque for 90,000 CZK (about 3700 Euros) to a local Zlin-based charity, the Children’s Traffic Foundation.
Jan Kopecky (left) receives the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy
www.rally-irc.com
Autohaus Südwest beim vierten Lauf zur Kart Balearenmeisterschaft.
30.8.2010 von Wolfgang.
Dennis K. am Wochenende beim Kartrennen auf Malloca.
Dennis K. fuhr wieder ein sehr überlegtes, sicheres und fehlerfreies Rennen. Er konnte über die gesamte Renndistanz das Tempo der führenden 3er Gruppe mitgehen.
Auf einen Fehler der vor ihm fahrenden wartend, konnte er bis ins Ziel ohne Problem folgen, doch blieben auch die Konkurrenten fehlerfrei.
Mit dem dritten Platz, aber dennoch sehr zufrieden ging es mit Startplatz 3 ins zweite Rennen.
Die Strategie hier hieß auch wiederum fehlerfrei und sicher ankommen. Nach einigen spannenden Positionswechseln lag Dennis K. kurz nach dem Start bereits auf Platz zwei.
Am Rennende wurde es zum wiederholten mal ein Podiumsplatz für das Team und Dennis K.mit Platz drei.
Die Gesamtausbeute von 32 Punkten an diesem einen Wochenende ließen Dennis K. trotz des Pechs am Anfang der Saison in der Meisterschaft auf Platz 3 springen.
Wir hoffen nun die verbleibenden Rennen in Menorca und zwei mal in Mallorca
weiter mit Dennis K. am Start zu sein und noch einige Erfolge erringen zu können.
Es ist nur eine Frage der Zeit wann wir den ersten Sieg mit Dennis K. einfahren werden.
Ein Dank an dieser Stelle allen Sponsoren im Team.
Ihr
Autoservice Südwest S.L. C/ Alacant 61 Poligono Son Bugadelles 07180 Santa Ponsa Mallorca
Fax.: +34/ 971 699 795 Tel.: +34/ 971 696 571
www.autohaus-mallorca.com www.karting-santaponsa.com
CZECH IRC JOY FOR LOIX IN DRAMATIC CLIMAX
30.8.2010 von Wolfgang.
Belgian maintains remarkable sequence of victories
Podium lockout hands Skoda first IRC makes’ award
Freddy Loix has become the most successful driver in the history of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge by taking a record-breaking sixth win and his third in as many starts this season after a dramatic climax to Barum Czech Rally Zlin today (Sunday) when the lead changed hands three times on the final four stages.
Juho Hanninen claimed second to maintain his title advantage while third place for local hero Pavel Valousek not only ensured a Skoda Fabia one-two-three but also enabled the Czech firm to clinch the 2010 IRC manufacturers’ crown for the first time with three rounds remaining.
Overnight leader Jan Kopecky had looked set to triumph on the demanding all-asphalt rally for a second year in a row but spun into retirement with three stages left to run when he was 26 seconds out in front.
Kopecky, who was on a charge in his efforts to make up lost time following a spin earlier on stage 14, broke too late for a left hander and slid off the road. Although his Fabia was largely undamaged it was beached on a large branch. Unable to regain the stage, Kopecky and co-driver Petr Stary were forced to retire having led the rally from the very first stage through the streets of host city Zlin on Friday evening.
"There was some vibration after the first spin and I was a little afraid I had a puncture," said the 28-year-old Czech driver. "My thinking was too much for this and I went off. I’m very disappointed and sorry for Skoda because the car was absolutely perfect and also to the crowd who gave me so much support all weekend."
His misfortune promoted Bryan Bouffier, at the wheel of a Peugeot 207, into first place. But Bouffier’s challenge came unstuck when he damaged his rear suspension sliding wide on the penultimate stage. Although he managed to soldier through the run, his delay dropped him to second, 3.8s behind Loix heading into the final test.
Any hopes Bouffier had of regaining top spot were dashed when a broken pipe, the legacy of an earlier compression, dumped water over his Peugeot’s front tyres and caused him to go off into a ditch five kilometres from the start of the stage.
Freddy Loix (right) celebrates his dramatic IRC win in Zlin
Loix and co-driver Frederic Miclotte had settled for second place when Bouffier pulled clear on stage 15. A cautious run through the mud-strewn penultimate stage ensured they moved in front when Bouffier hit trouble and the Belgians kept their composure to claim what had been an unlikely victory leaving midday service.
Rain and cool temperatures were a factor throughout the event in southeast Czech Republic. Not only did the unseasonable conditions add to the challenge facing the competitors by making the inconsistent stage surface more slippery than usual, they also made tyre choice a lottery as crews gambled over compound choices to suit the changeable weather.
Juho Hanninen was one of a number of drivers to fall foul of the conditions when he slid off backwards into a tree at high speed on stage four. Although the moment dropped him out of contention, an error-free performance thereafter helped the Finn to land his eighth podium finish of 2010.
Pavel Valousek trailed IRC champion Kris Meeke by 18.4s with one stage left to run but moved ahead of the Northern Irishman when Meeke’s Peugeot UK 207 suffered a broken front differential two kilometres into the stage. Meeke started Sunday’s final eight stages confident he could fight for second place but a series of incorrect tyre choices wrecked his chances. A sticking throttle on stage 14 caused more anguish before the differential fault dropped him to fourth behind Valousek.
Valousek, who lives close to Zlin, made the most of his local knowledge and some inspired tyre choices to beat his previous best finish of fourth place in his semi-works Fabia. The pick of these was when he opted for dry weather hard-compound tyres for Sunday’s opening loop of stages when most of his rivals believed it would rain.
Andreas Mikkelsen took a solid fifth in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 with Vaclav Pech rounding out the top six in his Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer. Pech had been in a close fight with Czech championship rival Valousek only for an off to drop him back and leave his car with a punctured front-right tyre and damaged suspension.
Guy Wilks marked his return from injury with seventh place in his Skoda UK Motorsport Fabia although his true pace was masked by a rear differential fault, which his mechanics were unable to cure due to a component supply issue. The glitch hindered braking stability and traction on the, at times, treacherous stage surfaces. Jaromir Tarabus secured the final IRC drivers’ point in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000.
Kevin Abbring took his second IRC 2WD Cup win of the season in his Clio R3 with rising Czech driver Lobomir Minarik second in a similar machine. Abbring, from the Netherlands, moves joint top of the drivers’ standings with Rafael Tulio, who wasn’t competing in Zlin.
There was some consolation for Jan Kopecky, however, when he was handed the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy for his efforts. Colin’s father Jim McRae, who was in Zlin, was part of the three-person judging team. He said that Kopecky’s spectacular performance had best embodied the spirit of the rallying legend, who lost his life in a helicopter accident in 2007.
Bryan Bouffier lost victory with two stages remaining
DRIVER QUOTES
Freddy Loix (Belgium), Skoda Fabia S2000, first overall: "It’s my second victory in Zlin but definitely my hardest and definitely my most exciting. The conditions were extremely difficult and it was a big fight with Bryan at the end. I always had a good feeling with my car but I was missing something in my driving. It was a question to be as quick as possible without making any mistakes."
Juho Hanninen (Finland), Skoda Fabia S2000, second overall: "My goal was to be first or second to improve my points. I was second so I am happy but it was very interesting because the weather kept changing on almost every stage. It started well on my side and I had the speed but then I had my big moment although I was lucky not to retire."
Pavel Valousek (Czech Republic), Skoda Fabia S2000, third overall: "This is my best position on this rally and I’m really glad we’ve achieved it. Today we chose the right tyres and this was very important. I would like to thank my team for all their help."
Juho Hanninen remains in control of the IRC title chase
TOP TEN IRC POSITIONS AFTER LEG TWO
1 Freddy Loix/Frederic Miclotte (Skoda Fabia S2000) 2h31m31.0s
2 Juho Hanninen/Mikko Markkula (Skoda Fabia S2000) +25.0s
3 Pavel Valousek/Zdenek Hruza (Skoda Fabia S2000) +1m20.2s
4 Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle (Peugeot 207 S2000) +1m57.6s
5 Andreas Mikkelsen (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +2m33.9s
6 Vaclav Pech/Petr Uhel (Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX) +3m07.4s
7 Guy Wilks/Phil Pugh (Skoda Fabia S2000) +3m41.1s
8 Jaromir Tarabus/Daniel Trunkat (M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000) +5m18.0s
9 Tomas Kostka/Vit Houst (Skoda Fabia S2000) +6m13.1s
10 Bryan Bouffier/Xavier Panseri (Peugeot 207 S2000) +6m52.2s
Leading IRC 2WD Cup finishers: Kevin Abbring/Erwin Mombaerts (Clio R3)
IRC STANDINGS
Drivers after round nine of 12 (best seven results)
1 Juho Hanninen (Finland) 56pts
2 Jan Kopecky (Czech Republic) 47pts
3 Freddy Loix (Belgium) 30pts
= Bruno Magalhaes (Portugal) 30pts
5 Kris Meeke (United Kingdom) 28pts
6 Guy Wilks (United Kingdom) 27pts
7 Andreas Mikkelsen (Norway) 13pts
8 Thierry Neuville (Belgium) 11pts
9 Mikko Hirvonen (Finland) 10pts
10 Paolo Andreucci (Italy) 8pts etc
Manufacturers after round nine of 12 (best seven results)
1 Skoda 128pts
2 Peugeot 79pts
3 M-Sport 31pts
4 Ralliart 22pts
5 Subaru 11pts
IRC 2WD Drivers after round nine of 12 (best seven results)
1 Kevin Abbring 20pts
= Rafael Tulio 20pts
3 Pierre Campana 16pts
= Harry Hunt 10pts
= Yeray Lemes 10pts
= Kris Princen 10pts
= Duarte Ramos 10pts
= Marcos Tokarski 10pts
9 Carlos Oliveira 9pts
10 Filipe Carvalho 8pts
= Enrique Cruz 8pts
= Luis Gius 8pts
= Lubomir Minarik 8pts
= Pablo Pelaez 8pts
= Colin R Smith 8pts
= Luis Tedesco 8pts etc
IRC 2WD Manufacturers after round nine of 12 (best seven results)
1 Peugeot 80pts
2 M-Sport 68pts
3 Abarth 29pts
4 Honda 27pts
5 Skoda 5pts
RALLY LEADERS
SS1-13: Jan Kopecky
SS14-15: Bryan Bouffier
SS16-17: Freddy Loix
STAGE WINNERS
Friday 27 August
SS1: SSS Zlin (9.36kms): Jan Kopecky
Saturday 28 August
SS2: Biskupice 1 (9.01kms): Jan Kopecky
SS3: Zadverice 1 (14.95kms): Jan Kopecky
SS4: Semetin 1 (11.71kms): Juho Hanninen
SS5: Trojak 1 (29.09kms): Bryan Bouffier
SS6: Biskupice 2 (9.01kms): Pavel Valousek
SS7: Zadverice 2 (14.95kms): Jan Kopecky
SS8: Semetin 2 (11.71kms): Juho Hanninen
SS9: Trojak 2 (29.09kms): Freddy Loix
Sunday 29 August
SS10: Halenkovice 1 (24.90kms): Pavel Valousek
SS11: Kudlovice 1 (11.39kms): Bryan Bouffier
SS12: Velky Orechov 1 (7.14kms): Jan Kopecky
SS13: Pindula 1 (19.76kms): Pavel Valousek
SS14: Halenkovice 2 (24.90kms): Freddy Loix
SS15: Kudlovice 2 (11.39kms): Bryan Bouffier
SS16: Velky Orechov 2 (7.14kms): Juho Hanninen
SS17: Pindula 2 (19.76kms): Pavel Valousek
KEY STATISTICS
Rally wins in 2010 (drivers)
Loix: 3
Hanninen: 2
Hirvonen: 1
Kopecky: 1
Magalhaes: 1
Meeke: 1
Rally wins in 2010 (manufacturers)
Skoda: 6
Peugeot: 2
M-Sport: 1
Stage wins in 2010 (drivers)
Juho Hanninen: 32
Kris Meeke: 27
Jan Kopecky: 25
Freddy Loix: 25
Sebastien Ogier: 7
Paolo Andreucci: 5
Bruno Magalhaes: 4
Luca Rossetti: 4
Pavel Valousek: 4
Bryan Bouffier: 3
Mikko Hirvonen: 3
Stephane Sarrazin: 2
Andreas Mikkelsen: 1
Bernardo Sousa: 1
Nicolas Vouilloz: 1
Guy Wilks: 1
Stage wins in 2010 (manufacturers)
Skoda: 88
Peugeot: 46
M-Sport: 5
Abarth: 4
TV TIMES
Eurosport, Europe’s largest television sports channel, will show highlights of the rally, which will also be available at www.rally-irc.com, as follows:
Sunday 29 August
22:00hrs-22:30hrs Day two highlights (Eurosport)
23:15hrs-23:45hrs Day two highlights repeated (Eurosport Asia-Pacific)
24:45hrs-25:15hrs Day two highlights repeated (Eurosport)
Monday 30 August
08:30hrs-09:00hrs Day two highlights repeated (Eurosport)
Tuesday 31 August
15:30hrs-16:00hrs Rally review (Eurosport, Eurosport Asia-Pacific)
Wednesday 1 September
05:00hrs-05:30hrs Rally review repeated (Eurosport Asia-Pacific)
Thursday 2 September
13:00hrs-13:30hrs Rally review repeated (Eurosport 2)
Saturday 4 September
09:45hrs-10:15hrs Rally review repeated (Eurosport 2)
11:00hrs-11:30hrs Rally review repeated (Eurosport Asia-Pacific)
All times are CET
www.rally-irc.com
4ª CARRERA CTO. DE BALEARES DE KARTING.
29.8.2010 von Wolfgang.
El Circuito de Llucmajor ha acogido la cuarta carrera del campeonato balear de karting bajo la organización de la Escudería Illes Balears que se estrenaba con buen pie. La primera cita que acogía Mallorca congregó a un numeroso público, que disfrutó con los 27 pilotos repartidos en cinco categorías.
En la categoría de alevines las dos mangas eran para el piloto ibicenco Sergio Torres, que dominaba con autoridad. Sin embargo al final de la carrera era excluido, pasando la victoria a manos de Sergio Salvador. Entre los cadetes Miguel Pons ha dominado con autoridad, ganando las dos mangas de carrera. Por detrás la lucha por la segunda posición estuvo más disputada y en la primera manga Juan Carlos Resoagli se colocaba segundo a espaldas de Pons hasta que en la última vuelta era adelantado por Raúl Riveiro. En la segunda manga Resoagli con la lección aprendida no se dejó adelantar hasta ver la bandera a cuadros pudiendo contener la presión de Riveiro que se tendría que conformar con el tercer cajón del podium. A cierta distancia Ana Gornés era quien comandaba el pelotón y se anotaba la cuarta plaza ante Josep Moll y un Juan Luís Riera que se veía obligado a abandonar en la primera manga por avería mecánica.
En Open, Alex Palerm se imponía con cierta autoridad siendo primero absoluto y en la categoría Open 1, que no tenía problemas para imponerse a Andrea Ellmerer que acababa segundo. Más disputada ha sido la categoría Open 2 y si Albert Coll se imponía en la primera carrera, Juan Manuel Rodríguez lo hacía en la segunda al adelantar a Coll en la arrancada. Finalmente la pole decantaba la victoria para el piloto del Sushi Club. El tercer cajón del podium iba a manos de Juan Ignacio Gurí, que ha podido contener al pelotón formado por José Luís Zarcos, Ana Mª. James y Federico Zarcos que han calcado sus posiciones en las dos mangas de carrera.
Un total de ocho pilotos han formado la parrilla de la categoría KZ2, la más espectacular de la jornada. En ella Antonio Alarcón ha vuelto a demostrar su supremacía marcando la pole y obteniendo dos contundentes victorias. Interesante duelo por la segunda plaza entre Iván Huélamo y Dennis Krucker. En la primera manga Krucker salía segundo hasta que era adelantado por Huélamo en la cuarta vuelta, cosa que se repetía en la segunda manga clasificándose en este orden. Algo más atrás, el menorquín Antonio Gornés encabezaba el pelotón en ambas mangas y se hacía con la cuarta plaza. José Carlos Escandell, Pedro Soler y Kai Schlich se clasificaban a continuación, mientras que Antonio Juan Riera era excluido al tener problemas con el pesaje.
CLASIFICACIÓN FINAL
CATEGORIA ALEVÍN: 1. Sergio Salvador, 18 ptos. 2. Sergio Torres, excluido.
CATEGORIA CADETE: 1. Miguel Pons, 40 ptos. 2. Juan Carlos Resoagli, 34.5 ptos. 3. Raúl Riveiro, 34 ptos. 4. Ana Gornés, 29 ptos. 5. Josep Moll, 28 ptos. 6. Juan Luís Riera, 26 ptos. 7. Alex Palomino, 25 ptos.
CATEGORIA OPEN 1: 1. Alex Palerm, 20 ptos. 2. Andrea Ellmerer, 18 ptos.
CATEGORIA OPEN 2: 1. Albert Coll, 38.5 ptos. 2. Juan M. Rodríguez, 38 ptos. 3. Juan I. Gurí, 32 ptos. 4. José L. Zarcos, 30 ptos. 5. Ana Mª. James, 28 ptos. 6. Federico Zarcos, 26 ptos.
CATEGORIA KZ2: 1. Antonio Alarcón, 40 ptos. 2. Iván Huélamo, 36 ptos. 3. Dennis Krucker, 32 ptos. 4. Antonio Gornés, 30 ptos. 5. José C. Escandell, 28 ptos. 6. Pedro Soler, 26 ptos. 7. Kai Schich, 24 ptos. 8. Antonio J. Riera, excluido.
Texto: FERBIS Pictures by Wolfgang LINDNER
GOLPE DE AUTORIDAD EN LLUCMAJOR
29.8.2010 von Wolfgang.
Alex Palerm ha conseguido este fin de semana dos importantes victorias en el Campeonato de Baleares de Karting. La cuarta prueba puntuable celebrada hoy domingo en el trazado de Llucmajor ha servido al equipo Diabolo Karting para recuperar puntos y dar un golpe de autoridad frente a sus rivales en la categoría Open.
Las horas de entrenamiento en el Circuito Mallorca Renn Arena han dado sus frutos, el joven piloto de tan solo 14 años está preparándose para luchar en el Campeonato de España de Karting y sus entrenamientos se concentran en el asfalto de Llucmajor al ser el único circuito que se asemeja a los que forman el Campeonato nacional.
En la jornada de hoy domingo, Palerm no ha dado opciones a sus rivales, logrando sin problemas la pole position en los entrenamientos cronometrados y ofreciendo un auténtico recital en las dos mangas de carrera.
Partiendo desde la primera posición, Alex ha marchado con un gran ritmo sin dar la oportunidad a sus rivales de adelantarle ni disputarle los puntos, aumentando su ventaja vuelta tras vuelta, Palerm cruzaba la meta con ocho segundos de ventaja sobre el segundo clasificado.
La segunda manga ha sido otro paseo para Palerm que ha dosificado su ventaja y ha logrado otra cómoda victoria que le colocan de nuevo en la lucha por el título a falta de dos pruebas para finalizar el Campeonato.
Alex Palerm: "Estoy muy contento porque el trabajo que hemos hecho en Llucmajor por fín ha merecido la pena. Me encuentro muy bien físicamente y estoy muy satisfecho con el rendimiento de mi kart.
Quiero agadecerle a mi padre el esfuerzo que está haciendo para que pueda contar siempre con la mejor puesta a punto y estoy seguro que conseguiremos grandes resultados con el sistema de trabajo que tenemos ahora."
Fotos: Wolfgang Lindner
Diabolo Karting Team
Alex Palerm piloto Junior de Karting
Calle Jeroni Pou esquina Reina Constança 07006 Palma de Mallorca
Tel. 971 291 321 M. 616 99 26 87 prensa@alexpalerm.com http://www.alexpalerm.com
Bridgestone Motorsport’s Belgian Grand Prix Report
29.8.2010 von Wolfgang.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won a thrilling mixed weather Belgian Grand Prix by using a soft – hard – intermediate tyre strategy at Spa.
Two safety car periods occurred during the course of the 44 lap race in the Belgian Ardennes forests with numerous incidents taking place throughout the field. Hamilton won after making a great start and surviving a gravel excursion whilst on dry tyres on an increasingly wet track. Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber finished second and Renault F1 Team’s Robert Kubica finished third.
Hiroshi Yasukawa – Director of Bridgestone Motorsport, says
“Once more Spa Francorchamps has provided us with typically difficult weather conditions which gave us a very exciting race. We saw many spectators brave the wet conditions all weekend and they were rewarded with fantastic action. Bridgestone’s brand awareness in Europe has been expanded enormously by our participation in Formula 1 over the past 14 years. This was the home Grand Prix for Bridgestone Europe, who are based in Brussels, so we thank them for hosting Bridgestone Motorsport for a final time here in Spa.”
Hirohide Hamashima - Bridgestone Director of Motorsport Tyre Development, says
“The Spa weather gave us a very difficult situation, even for our last visit here. This was a very tough day for those on track and those on the pit wall. Spa has such a long lap that you cannot be on the correct tyre for an entire lap as the conditions can vary from very wet to damp to dry over the undulating 7 km of this fabulous track . Judging the level of grip, even when you are not on the correct tyre, is a very important aspect of the art of driving a racing car, so it was a pleasure to watch this art in practice. Even the very best drivers in the world can make mistakes in conditions like we had today, and those who were able to minimise their mistakes were able to achieve good results. Congratulations to Lewis for his win, accomplished despite a run through a gravel trap using dry tyres on a wet section of the track. Making a perfect tyre is a very difficult challenge, however the four tyres we had here today covered the range of conditions we experienced admirably and we thank our technicians in Tokyo for their fine efforts to develop such good tyres.”
Stats of the Day
Bridgestone Potenza Driver Tyre Strategies
Rd.13 – Belgian Grand Prix
In 2010, the tyre regulations stipulate that the two dry tyre specifications must be visibly distinguishable from each other. At the Belgian Grand Prix, the soft (option) compound Bridgestone Potenza tyres were marked with green bands on the sidewalls. The wet weather tyres were also marked with a green line in a central groove.
www.bridgestonemotorsport.com
Picture of the Day
28.8.2010 von Wolfgang.
