Round four of the 2007 Intercontinental Rally Challenge stops in Russia and is the first international rally competition in the country since 1914. The series returns to gravel and the roads are very similar to Finland, tree lined with rolling hills and jumps. Racing takes place July 13th and 14th.
After Ypres' large turnout of Super 2000 cars, there are just 5 in Russia. Drivers' championhip leader, Andrea Navarra has the #1 plate in his Abarth Grande Punto. His team mate Anton Alén is coming off a strong showing in Turkey where he lead the rally after Leg 1 before problems dropped him to 4th overall. The young Finn hopes the conditions, similar to his home country, will favor his driving style.
Peugeot has 3 cars from two teams heading to Russia. Peugeot Sport España has helped put the French marque into the manufacturer's championship lead. However it is by a solitary point, so good results are needed to maintain their advantage. Their drivers are also tracking the drivers championship. Enrique García Ojeda, coming off a second place finish in Belgium, lies 2nd in the chase, 10 points behind Navarra. Nicolas Vouilloz won in Turkey, but retired in Belgium, and sits in 3rd with 10 points. The other Peugeot is driven by Jimmy Joge of Peugeot Team Sweden. Joge debuted the 207 Super 2000 earlier this year on his native Swedish round of the WRC.
Third in the makes chase is Mitsubishi, within 9 points of Peugeot. Renato Travaglia, Marco Caviogli and several experienced local drivers bring their Lancers to the event. Due to the lack of experience on these roads by the international drivers, we could see one of these locals take victory. There are also several Russians in the field driving Subaru Imprezas, most notably Alexander Jeludov & Evgeniy Vertunov. Another WRC experienced driver, Alexandr Nikonenko will be in a Vaz.
Don't forget the Hondas of Daniel Solá & Luca Betti or former ERC champion, Simon Jean-Joseph in his Citroën C2 R2. The provisional entry list has 86 crews. For results and point standings check my Rally of Russia results page after the completion of the rally.
Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Rally of Russia website for all the action this weekend.
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