Catalonia, northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Here, you can breathe the intense, lively culture of Barcelona and tourism on the beautiful “Golden Coast” moves at incredible speeds. But, in the coming days, those who will be riding at a crazy 200km/h on land and asphalt are the riders enrolled in the 48th edition of the RACC.
Lots of water and mud in these first stages of a rally that promises to be a challenge from start to finish for all drivers in the race. The RACC Rally de España Costa-Gurada started with heavy rain, which is making life very difficult for all those registered, in this final stretch of the World Cup. Loeb, as we know, is already champion, but the fight continues for the rest of the table!
a very special rally
The first day has six specials on land and followed by two days on asphalt that promise to delight thousands of spectators who will pass through the sections of this World Cup rally, which has been mixed since 2010. This is the final stretch, the last stage of a World Cup full of historic moments – Frenchman Sébastien Loeb broke the record of victories, adding 9 in a row and is already celebrating the first place on the podium in this, which is his last full-time World Cup.
the first victims
Heavy rain and adverse conditions have already claimed the first “victims” of this edition of the Rally de España – Petter Solberg (Ford), Andrea Mikkelsen (Volkswagen) and Belgian Thierry Neuville (Citröen) left the race today after hitting a rock. Mini driver Dani Sordo, who returns to Citröen in 2013, had problems with his car after a bout. Brazilian Daniel Oliveira also left the track and was unable to return because of the large amount of mud that borders the sections.
Loeb starts slow but recovers
The first stages were marked by adverse weather and the consequent precaution of the pilots in dosing enthusiasm on the right foot. The very slippery road and mud delayed the champion, who after a spectacular performance in the Super Special Terra Alta 1 (44.02km) where he took first place, secured his ascent to second place in the general classification, behind M. Østberg (Fiesta M-Sport).
A rally full of emotion and super-challenging specials is expected. Here at RazãoAutomóvel, we will follow this World Cup final and on our official Facebook page you can regularly consult news of this 48th Edition of the RACC.
Text: Diogo Teixeira