Dramatic San Marino finish costs Rovanpera top result

Sixteen year old Peugeot team driver, Kalle Rovanpera, was in line for second place on the Italian CIR championship San Marino when he stopped on the 77km road section back to the final control.  

Kalle Rovanpera was set for second place until a last-minute fuel pressure sensor problem.It was claimed that the car had a faulty fuel pressure sensor.  

During the final stage there was curiosity how Rovanpera would be asked to relinquish his place and favour his senior teammate Paulo Andreucci.  Andreucci had been slowed by running first car on Day 1.  

He had started the final day 29.3 seconds behind Rovanpera and began the final stage 8.7 seconds behind, but had a tyre issue.  He lost time on the stage and after finishing the stage was found to be 1m14.5 seconds behind Rovanpera.  

It was at his point that Rovanpera’s car was withdrawn.  

Rally winner was Umberto Scandola’s Skoda, while fifth placed 16-year old Bolivian, Marco Bulacia, retired when his suspension broke and led to the stage being stopped.
 
- Martin Holmes 

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