28/02/2017 - Paolo Andreucci, Peugeot 208 T16 and Umberto Scandola, Skoda Fabia R5, renewed the agreements with their respective Teams and are ready to get to the start of the Italian rally championship with the objective of securing the victory.

Yet another duel involving the two seems to be the light motif of a season that will have a good lot of strong drivers on track; Andreucci and Scandola are not the only ones aiming at the title.

Among the most interesting comebacks, Andrea Nucita will be at the start on a Skoda Fabia R5 run by team DP Autosport. The driver from Sicily has proven to be very close to the front runners of the Championship and will make it to the start as a possible underdog in the title fight. The same holds true for Simone Campedelli, who has been a strong protagonist of the past season. His negotiations with the Team of Max Rendina should end shortly and give him one of the Skoda Fabia R5. Clock is ticking, but there is margin to end the negotiations as insiders are quite optimistic.

Among the possible protagonists in the title hunt, Alessandro Perico will get to the start on a Skoda Fabia R5 run by his team. He will certainly give staff the certainty of having what it takes to end high up in the charts. These are the protagonists on top that should inflame the fight for the title.

Unfortunately, the reigning Italian Champion Giandomenico Basso will not take part in the championship, as he will contest a small-programme featuring some appearances at the World rally championship and at the European rally championship.

Elwis Chentre could find his place among the most awaited surprises, as he is all set to make his debut in CIR 2017 at the Rally Il Ciocco e Valle del Serchio on a Hyundai i20 R5 run by Promo Racing Team. The driver from Aosta will have the chance to display his driving talent. Gabriele Ciavarella, aka “Ciavar” will take part in the Asphalt Trophy on a Hyundai i20 lined up by team Bernini. The driver from Massa had an intense pre-championship period, with a lot of testing aimed at getting prestigious results. The same ambition is shared by Ivan Ferrarotti. The Italian 2WD Champion will compete on a Ford Fiesta R5 run by GIMA , making his dream come true. As last year, Antonio Rusce will also contest the Asphalt Trophy at the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R5 run by GB Motor. The preparator located in Casinalbo di Formigine (MO) is refining the updates to the already quick Ford Fiesta R5 to prepare it at best for a season full of great battles.

In the picture: The podium of the Rally Il ciocco e Valle del Serchio edition 2016. Paolo Andreucci (Peugeot 208 T16 R5) and Umberto Scandola (Skoda Fabia R5).