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Liatti, Pons raring to go
Italian national heroes Piero Liatti and Fabrizia Pons bring a wealth of local knowledge and experience to the 555 Subaru World Rally Team's assault on the 1997 Rally of Italy. Joining regular World Championship contenders. Colin McRae and co-driver. Nicky Grist, the popular Italian crew have only one objective on home territory — to win the twelfth round of the FIA World Rally Championship and expand 555 Subaru's lead in the Manufacturers Championship, says a press release.
"Right from the start I will be driving to win." said a determined Piero. "I know I can do it." For a driver who has been out of the hot seat for five rallies this may seem ambitious, but the Italian's cool, calm de-
meanour belies t' e spirited determination th.- ill undoubtedly bring him t . iccess he so richly deserves. th countless outings on home soil to his credit. Piero cruised to victory in San Remo in 1995 in a Sut> aru Impreza 555. and had a double victory In sight last year before he was forced into a cruel retirement when the car failed to start in Parc Ferme on the fi-
"Alf of that is behind us now." said Piero. "It felt great to be back behind to wheel of the Subaru Impreza 5 55 during testing and 1 feel really good about our chances for the rally. Since I last competed with the team. I have spent a lot of time training — I run. cycle and work out every day. I’m fitter than I've ever been, so I don't see there's much
to stop us."
Commenting on this year's new stages, Piero added: "I know the Piemonte area and th? character of these stages will be different to those around San Remo — much more slippery. But 1 feel good and competing in your own country does makes a big difference — it is true that you go faster because of the local support." he concluded.
Competition will be fierce though, and the stiffest will undoubtedly come from teammate Colin--McRae who needs outright victory to keep his World Championship hopes alive. The Scot was impressive last year, leading from the fourth stage to win by a 22-sec-ond advantage over Carlos Sainz, and there is little to suggest that this year will be any different.
For only the fourth time in the 38-year history of the Ral-lye Sanremo. the event wifi run totally on asphalt, dropping the two days of abrasive gravel stages in the Italian mountains. World Championship winning co-driver, Nicky Grist commented: "From the competitors' perspective, the all-asphalt route will Improve and compact the event, while leaving the character that makes It special."
Among the competition. Tommi Makinen (Mitsubishi) will be pushing for victory in his bid to seal the World Championship title, but with only three outings and two retirements to his name in Italy, the Finn may not prove to be the dominant force. Conversely, the Ford crews of Carlos Sainz and Juha Kankkunen are showing impressive form and with valuable previous experience in Italy. Carlos, in particular, will be looking to close the eight point gap with Makinen. Didier Auriol in the leading Toyota Corolla World Rally Car. has had three victories in Italy (1990. 1991 and 1994). however the Frenchman will be seeking reliability after a frustrating outing for the team in Indonesia.