02/06/2011 - The 95th edition of the Targa Florio, fourth round of the Italian Rally Championship, got lively today. After the opening ceremony from the exclusive Piazza Politeama in Palermo, the 64 crews racing in the CIR, proceeded by the 45 cars protagonist of the Italiano Rally Historic Cars Championship, started with the first of the twelve stages, the "Città di Palermo".

The best time on the 1.650 metres of the circuit obtained within the Airport of Boccadifalco was set by the Ford Fiesta S2000 driven by Umberto Scandola in 1´36.4; Luca Rossetti (Abarth Grande Punto S2000) followed and then Elwis Chentre ( Peugeot 207 S2000 ). Fourth was Paolo Andreucci ( Peugeot 207 S2000).

The crowd was numerous, warm and present, especially when Andrea Nucita (Renault New Clio RS) was racing as the current leader of the junior category.

All Cir drivers agreed on the scarce fluidity of the circuit at the end of the stage and on how challenging is to drive on that circuit; particularly tricky was the presence of gravel on the tarmac. Perico was nervous, while Campidelli risked to spin a couple of times and Crugola's car stalled.