For the second consecutive day the Ralliart Italy crews of Alessandro Lombardo & Alex Haro and Carlos Fessman & Hugo Magalaes have had tough runs through the pristine shire roads of the Coffs Coast.
First up at the Coates Hire Rally Australia morning was the 50 kilometre Nambucca stage. Fast and flowing through dairy country, the stage was always going to be one that demanded respect and a conservative effort from the drivers. Both fared well on the first pass. However, they suffered a little on the second. “It was a very slippery stage. We had a small accident on the second pass, but were able to keep going” said Fessman of the gruelling country stage. The rear of Fessman's Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X was slightly damaged in the impact. However, the pair were lucky and did not do any further damage to the car.
Fessman and Magalhaes continued the day and will fight to work their way into a better position on the fourth and final day of the event.
Unfortunately, Alessandro Lombardo also experienced some bad luck on his second pass and failed to complete the stage suffering from a blown turbo: “We were having a wonderful day. We were driving really fast in the first section then in the afternoon in the Nambucca 2 stage, we had a problem with the turbo in the twisty part of the stage. Unfortunately we had to stop to protect the engine. The team will repair the car tonight for us and we will compete tomorrow to get experience and maximum points for the WRC 2 Championship Production Cup” he said.
Following issues with his back yesterday Alex Haro was feeling much better today and hopes to be back at 100% by tomorrow for the finish of the rally.
Ralliart Italy Team Manager Bruno De Pianto understands how tough and unique the challenge presented by the Rally Australia stages is: "It was a long and difficult day. The Nambucca stage is one of the longest tests in the WRC calendar and changes from narrow roads to wider stretches and even Tarmac sections, making it a grueling challenge for any driver and taxing on the concentration. Carlos did a good job making it through both passes and Alejandro was unlucky but sensible in his strategy. They'll both be back on the stages tomorrow and the most important thing is that they see the finish line!"
