12.08.2009

NEWS // HIRVONEN WINS BETTEGA MEMORIAL RALLYSPRINT

Ford WRC driver Mikko Hirvonen triumphed in the 2009 Bettega Memorial Rallysprint, today at the Bologna Motor Show. Hirvonen, who was competing for the second time in the Italian event, won both the Monday Night Sprint competition and Tuesday's Rallysprint, fending off Frenchman Sebastien Ogier in a Citroen C4 WRC on both occasions.

The rallysprint is a prestigious competition which runs during the Bologna Motor Show and is named after the Italian driver Attilio Bettega, who died while competing in the 1985 Tour de Corse. It is run on a 1km dual surface track, with two separate lanes for each competing car... [read more]

Other famous names who were competing at the 2009 event included, former World Rally Champions Marcus Gronholm (Subaru Impreza WRC) and Petter Solberg (Citroen Xsara WRC), along with MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi (Ford Focus RS WRC).

Hirvonen told wrc.com after his victory, . "I've done the Rallysprint once before, six years ago, but since then the track, and everything else about this event, seems to have developed a lot," he said. "The circuit is really fast in places, and wide too, so there was no need to be scared about taking risks, or making the odd mistake. I really enjoyed myself, and of course it’s always good to compete against my ex team-mate Marcus."

Finishing in third and fourth were fellow Finn's Solberg and Gronholm.

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: WRC

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