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| The Sardinia Rally, Greatest Even In 2012 |
The Sardinia Rally, the last gravel event 2012
The Sardinia Rally, the 18th edition of to 21 October will be staged, is 2012 the last gravel event. In order for the rally on May has become the Italian autumn, but even if it will be cooler in the morning and before sunset, the day will be pleasant 20 degrees expected. On the Italian island there is not more to the fight for the world title, but want to prove some drivers and perhaps achieve a good result again.
After the asphalt rally in the French vineyards, the teams meet on the Italian island of Sardinia, a mixture of higher green mountain regions and dusty, stony passages. 16 stages having a length of 306.04 km expect the pilots, including connection stages, the distance increased to 1241.45 km.
Particularly on the island is the fine sand which lies in a thin layer over the most hard surfaces. Although one might assume now that is particularly unfavorable for the leader, the situation is reversed represents While the thin layer of sand is very difficult to navigate, however, suffer from the following cars in clouds of dust and sand, which are stirred up. Furthermore are difficult passages, which have a rather soft ground. Because especially in the rain here, the risk of damage increases the rally cars. If a pilot wants to maintain the chance to win a very good qualifying is incredibly important in order to position itself properly.
Problematic situations could sometimes develop through rock. Because much of the trunk is used very quickly, although the limitations of rocks or trees are very close to the ideal line. Particularly dangerous for the tires sticking out of the ground stones. They came in the past from the ground, after rapidly ruts had formed.
While the bulk of the rally to the previous year, it will be on Saturday a few new stages around Sassari. "They are more open and smoother than the other tests," explains Jari-Matti Latvala, who had the opportunity to test already on these roads. Join him the competition areas reminded more of the Rally Finland.
One of the favorites again nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb going into the rally, which already get four wins in Italy. Good maps has also Jari-Matti Latvala. The Finn won in 2009 in Sardinia and has also won the last gravel rally in the UK. "The team was always strong in Sardinia and after the last step when it comes to Pace in Wales, I am confident we will get here is another strong result," said the Finn was optimistic.
