Galli off to a solid Sardinian start
Gigi Galli has begun his Rally d’Italia Sardegna campaign in solid form after the opening loop of three stages this morning. The Italian currently occupies seventh in the standings on what is his home event in the 2008 FIA World Rally Championship.
Team-mate Matthew Wilson has had a less fortunate start to his Sardinian mission struggling with the handling of his Stobart Ford Focus RS WRC07. The young Brit will make some changes in service before heading back out for this afternoon’s repeat loop of stages.
Despite a puncture on the second, monster stage – which at 33.96 kilometres is the longest of the event – Galli managed his fine position thanks to two third fastest stage times on the remaining two tests this morning.
Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Driver Gigi Galli said:
“We had a good start this morning and the feeling on the opening stage was good despite the conditions which were very slippery. We slid wide on a right hand corner about a third of the way into the second stage, hit some rocks, and were very lucky to just come away with a puncture. We decided not to change it and the Pirelli tyres held up remarkably well after driving on the damaged tyre for 20 kilometres. But the car feels good and on the next stage we set a third fastest time.”
Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Driver Matthew Wilson said:
“I just haven’t had the feeling this morning and the car is very unpredictable in these conditions. My confidence isn’t so high because of this and in service now we will look at the data and try and make some changes for this afternoon. It’s not the best way to start the rally but I’m confident we can sort things out and improve this afternoon.”