Iván Ares has opened the winner's champagne in the Spanish Rally Championship for the first time. The Galician pilot imposed himself with his Porsche in the Rally de Ourense, and closed the gap on the leader, Miguel Fuster, who finished fourth at the wheel of a small Suzuki. Sergio Vallejo and Cristian García completed the podium.
Things started off well for Ares. After Vallejo briefly took the lead by winning the super special stage on Friday, he suffered a puncture in the third stage where he lost five minutes. Pedro Burgo, who won the second stage, abandoned the race when his car stopped in the next liaison. From there, Ares had a clear path to victory and Vallejo began a fierce comeback, rising from 19th place to second in the final standings.
García completed the podium, losing second place after a puncture in the second-to-last stage, but also winning the Mitsubishi Evo Cup. Fuster's move to race with a Suzuki paid off as he finished fourth and earned valuable points in the title fight. He also won the 2-wheel drive category. Esteban Vallín won in R2 with his Opel, a brand that also took the victory in the women's category with Ángela Vilariño. Fran Cima won the Renault Trophy, David Cortés emerged victorious in the Suzuki Cup, and Alberto Monarri triumphed in the Dacia Sandero Cup.
CLASSIFICATION1. Ares-Bañobre (Porsche 911), 2:22:30.7 2. Vallejo-Vallejo (Porsche 911), 3:45.2 3. García-Liso (Mitsubishi Lancer), 4:08 4. Fuster-Aviñó (Suzuki Swift), 4:36.1 5. Hevia-Mercader (Suzuki Swift), 5:06.4 |
SPANISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
1. Miguel Fuster, 182.5 points
2. Ivan Ares, 159.5
3. Pedro Burgo, 120.5
4. Cristian García, 120.5
5. Sergio Vallejo, 107