Subiesport Magazine - February/March 2008 - (Page 78)

MOTORSPORTS HIStoRY WaS maDE In WalES when Sébastien loeb equaled tommi makinen’s four successive World Rally Championship titles when he scored third place on Wales Rally Gb, behind the ford duo of winner mikko Hirvonen and marcus Grönholm. although only needing sixth place for the title, loeb had to play a careful game in the face of atrocious conditions that many drivers insisted were the worse they had had to endure on a rally, as wind, rain and fog all conspired to make the stages as difficult as possible. Hirvonen, who led from start to finish, was always aware he might have to concede to Grönholm if the Championship required him to do so, but with loeb always keeping his only title rival in his sights, that situation never arose and the young finn collected his third win of the season. In his final WRC event Grönholm had to be content with his second runners-up place in the driver’s championship. The Subarus of Petter Solberg, Chris atkinson and Xevi Pons all finished in the top 10 — led by Solberg in fourth — but none of the drivers could push as hard as they wished because they did not have full confidence in their Imprezas; once again, handling concerns led the complaints from the three. Rally america Champion, travis Pastrana, endured a horrid time in the Production class, and described the first leg as the worst start to a rally he has ever faced. The Subaru driver would pick up six punctures over the three days, finally reaching the finish line 22nd in class and 40th overall. Leg One With Championship rivals Grönholm and loeb playing a waiting game, mikko Hirvonen was in a perfect position to go all-out for a win, and the young finn did not disappoint, taking full advantage of his position to win the first three stages of leg one in thick fog and rain. “I’m really pleased to be leading,” Hirvonen said at first service. “The conditions were very difficult with a lot of mud and fog, but my notes were perfect and even though we couldn’t see much, all the braking and everything was very good. I’ll try to continue at the same speed this afternoon.” behind him, loeb and Grönholm were more cautious, as neither wanted to make a mistake with so much at stake. “It’s really difficult to drive 100 percent of the notes, but the performance is o.K. and I just try Watch exclusive videos from WRC Rally GB right now! Point your web browser to: www.drivingsports.com Click INDEX  WRC Photos: Greg Jarem, Subaru of America 78 MARCH 2008 http://www.drivingsports.com/blog/2007/12/wrc-wales-rally.html http://www.drivingsports.com/blog/2007/12/wrc-wales-rally.html

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Subiesport Magazine - February/March 2008

Subiesport Magazine - February/March 2008 Contents Travis Geny Letters Readers' Rides Subaru News Subie Sleuths Hatched Plans United in Subarus East Meets West WRC Rally Catalunya WRC Rally France WRC Rally Japan WRC Rally Ireland WRC Wales Rally GB The Future of Subaru WRC Team Orange Where to Buy Subiesport 1993 Impreza "Dreadnought" Performance Radiator Install Special Kei Ad Directory Spotted!

Subiesport Magazine - February/March 2008

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