45-year old Giandomenico Basso cruised to victory on the fifth, asphalt round of the 2019 European championship’s Rally di Roma Capitale, based at the Italian capital.
Nikolay Gryazin took an immediate lead but then went off the road on the second stage. Leading after the next two stages was Andrea Crugnola’s Skoda until he lost two minutes with a puncture, after which it was Basso took control.
A puncture for Simone Campedelli on the new version Fiesta cost him about 40 seconds and prevented an outright victory and he eventually finished the rally a half minute behind Basso’s Skoda Fabia R5.
Many drivers including Hiroki Arai and Umberto Scandola lost time with punctures, while another former European champion, Luca Rossetti, had a broken rim and also went off.
In the later stages Crugnola fought hard to catch the leaders. With three stages to go he passed Filip Mares into fourth place and there was a tantalising delay for the results of the final stage, which eventually saw Campedelli confirmed second ahead of Lukyanuk.
The turbocharged three cylinder Fiesta R1 of Daniele Campanaro.
In the two wheel drive Junior category Norwegian Sindre Furuseth led until he went off the road on the last stage of Day 1. The winner was Estonian Ken Torn, despite going off the road and damaging the suspension.
In the supporting National category division and ineligible for the ERC, as it did not run on specified control tyres, was the turbocharged three cylinder Fiesta R1 of Daniele Campanaro, who dominated the class, the car also on the debut of the type.
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
RallySport Magazine Subscription
Select Subscription Level
Select Subscription Length
Recurring Subscription Cost
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally
content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news,
features and experiences nobody can match.
Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which
shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine.
If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.
We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires.
If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period.
You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.
Account Created!
Welcome to RallySport Magazine VIP Membership.
Get ready for your rally news experience to completely transform.
Start browsing news, exclusive VIP content or check out your account.
