Monza Rally Show 2018 J.1: Valentino Rossi gets off to a flying start!

After a few minutes of reconnaissance allowed yesterday and this morning, the serious things really began this afternoon at the Monza Rally Show, with the first two special stages of 1,2 and 11,9 kilometers respectively.

From the first, Valentino Rossi was the fastest at the wheel of his Ford Fiesta WRC Plus, ahead by 9 tenths Alessandro Perico also on Fiesta WRC but category 1.6, i.e. less powerful.

We note that with the exception of that of Valentino Rossi, the WRC Plus did not make a sensational debut since Teemu suninen (#5, Ford Fiesta WRCP) is 4th at 1,3 seconds, Roberto Brivio, Operation Manager (#63, Ford Fiesta WRCP) 21st at 4,4 seconds and Alessio “Uccio” Salessi (#64, Ford Fiesta WRCP) 24th at 4,8 seconds.

The cars equipped with 36 mm flanges (instead of 32) were, however, going to make a bit of noise in the second special event, since this one was again won by Valentino Rossi, 5,8 seconds ahead Teemu Suninenas Alessio “Uccio” Salessi finished 3rd at 12,7 seconds and Roberto Brivio 6th at 13,6 seconds before receiving a 5 second penalty.

In the general classification, Doctor (Ford Fiesta WRCP) this evening has an advantage of 7,1 seconds over Teemu Suninen (#5, Ford Fiesta WRCP) and 14 seconds on Alessandro Perico (#2, Ford Fiesta WRC 1.6).

Antonio Cairolli (#222, Hyundai I20 WRC 1.6) follows 14.6 seconds ahead Alessio “Uccio” Salessi (#64, Ford Fiesta WRCP) at 17,5 seconds.

Tomorrow, 4 special stages are on the program, including the 6 kilometer SS1 “Grand Prix 44”.

Even if the gaps appear larger than in previous editions, nothing is won for anyone...

Valentino Rossi to Sky Sport: ” I'm happy because the car is beautiful, we had the opportunity to use the (WRC) PLUS, which is a MotoGP for rallying. It's a great opportunity because it's like a modern-day Group B. We are having fun.
Suninen is very fast, he runs all year round. The WRC PLUS are 4, so there is my battle with Suninen and then the very interesting one between Brivio and Uccio. I miss the challenge with the fastest drivers like Bonanomi, Cairoli, Perico and Longhi, but the opportunity to try this car was the most important aspect. Anything can happen in rallying, we just left and we are fine. It's always nice here, a good way to end the season and say hello to all the fans ".