ROSSETTI PULLS AWAY WHILE BETTI INCREASES THE GAP FROM LONGHI
With a bright end to the second day, which had its peak in the fantastic performance amongst a crowd of spectators on the special stage in the town of Opatija (derived from the old circuit). Luca Rossetti and Matteo Chiarcossi (Abarth) have stretched their led to a reassuring margin of one minute ahead of Luca Betti and Maurizio Barone (Peugeot). The latter, after a great day in which he also won two stages, has in turn gained the same advantage over Piero Longhi. The former Italian champion Italy managed to regain third place overall towards the end of the day, but he will have to with the predictable reaction of Polish Maciej Oleksowicz (Ford) who pursues him, only 6"6 behind.
Behind them, firmly in fifth is Bulgarian Iliev (Skoda), while the fight for sixth place sees Ruta (winner of a stage in the second day), Tlustak (Skoda) and Pulic (Abarth) enclosed in less than 30 seconds.
Andrea Dallavilla’s day had an unlucky epilogue: The leader in Gr.N and ninth overall after the last special stage was forced to retire in the final service due to an engine overheating problem.
Among the 2-wheel drive cars Rok Turk (Peugeot 207 R3T) continues to lead in the European Championship category, ahead of Giovanni Vergnano (Fiat Grande Punto R3D).
Performance wise, Croatian Juraj Sebali (Mitsubishi) is still outstanding, almost always among the top 5 overall, although he is far behind in the standings because of the nearly 20′ he lost first when he hit a rock in the first day, and for a puncture in the second.
Standings after Day 2: 1. Rossetti 1.45’53.4; 2. Betti + 1’00.2; 3. Longhi + 1’53.1; 4. Oleksowicz + 1’59.7; 5. Iliev + 3’05.8; 6. Ruta + 4’56.7; 7. Tlustak + 5’09.6; 8. Pulic + 5’23.3; 9. Rzenzik + 6’18.1; 10. Turk-Kranjc + 10’37.9.
__________________________________________________
CROATIA RALLY
Croatian Office Address: Riva Boduli, 1 – 51000 Rijeka (Croatia)
Tel. +385 (0) 51312190 – Fax +385 (0) 51312174
Italian Office Address: V.le delle Terme, 97 - 27052 Salice Terme/Godiasco(PV) ITALY
Tel.+ 39 038/944916 Fax +39 0383934583
www.croatia-rally.com