For the first time since 2008 the Monte Carlo Rally returned to the WRC calendar. The Mini team, still without a major sponsor, were forced to make the decision to drop one of their works drivers (Kris Meeke) before the event, the second car was farmed out to a paying driver, in this case Frenchman Pierre Campana took the drive, the same is likely to apply for the rest of the season (ie Whoever opens their chequebook gets the drive) Other teams/drivers have managed to find a sponsor Petter Solberg was making a return to a full factory supported drive Francois Delecour, now 49 years old, but still showing he's lost none of his flamboyant style! Latvala made a good tyre choice and took a 30 second lead after stage 2 Loeb was pushing hard, with the support of his native followers Dani Sordo was on the pace It wasn't going so smoothly for everyone Latvala's good run also came to an end, the car was not so badly damaged, but no spectators meant no way out Evgeny Novikov - The Russians are coming!! 'Visit Romania' says Francois A second Solberg in Ford Craig Breen in an S2000 car Sordo - The Mechanical Bullfight But there was no stopping this man, who would bet against him taking WRC Title no.9 this year? Final Positions:
Nice bit of footage here, no commentary (which is no bad thing) The gear shifts are so quick on these cars, mind you they don't have three pedals and a gearstick to worry about!! http://vimeo.com/35465239 Alan
6th placed Francois Delecour made headlines, his co-driver who was competing for the last time was allowed to drive the final stage of the rally! Now that's what I call a very special thank you.
