This first round is also valid for the Rally Terra Trophy and provided spectators with the double surprise of the retirements of Mikkelsen and Aghini. As a consequence, the couple Longhi - Pirollo leads the standing, inheriting the TRT thanks to the fourth place in the absolute classification.
Stage one, the "Lago Omodeo", started at 11. 13 (GMT+2) and was run on the distance of 10,21 Km. The best time was set by the couple Umberto Scandola - Guido D´amore on Ford Fiesta S2000 A - Style.
The second stage was on the long "Monte Grighini Nord", 21, 32 km, and Andreas Mikkelsen at the wheel of the Skoda Fabia Super2000 belonging to Team Italia was the fastest. The very good Scandola followed, 6"3 adrift the leader. Andreucci secured the third place and was followed by Luca Rossetti.
In the Production, Fabio Gianfico, on Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, obtained the first position and was followed by Maurizio Angrisani, at the wheel of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X.
The third stage was the "Alta Marmilla", unfolding in more than 14 km; Rossetti had the best of all rivals, while the second place was obtained by the Ford Fiesta S2000 driven by Scandola, followed by the Norwegian Mikkelsen.
In summary it has been a good day for drivers and spectators, sunny throughout all the stages of this first part of the 30th Rally Costa Smeralda.
Day two will start tomorrow at 12.00 (GMT+2) with TV live coverage of the stage in Braniatogghiu (OT) . This will be followed by three more stages for a total of 73 km.
