Zoom Excellent Sanremo results for Bettega

Italian driver Alessandro Bettega – the son of Italian legend Attilio Bettega – has claimed his first IRC 2WD Cup victory in Sanremo, at the wheel of a Honda Civic Type R R3 run by Procar.

By doing so, the Italian youngster has moved into the overall lead of the category, passing former IRC 2WD Cup leader Marco Cavigioli. The Fiat driver finished outside the top eight of the two-wheel drive runners in Sanremo as the result of a mechanical problem.

Bettega was at the head of Honda's first ever one-two in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge 2WD Cup, as local driver Luca Ghegin was second in another Civic on the Sanremo Rally. The Japanese manufacturer has subsequently received a big boost in the IRC 2WD Cup's constructors' standings.

"It wasn't quite the perfect rally for us, as we made some mistakes with tyre choices that cost us time," said Bettega.

"But from a performance and reliability point of view the car was excellent: we had no problems," he added. "I enjoyed the battle, and of course it's a great pleasure for me to be leading the IRC 2WD Cup."

Nonetheless Bettega will face a tough battle if he wants to hang onto his advantage, as Cavigioli – who is now three points behind – has vowed to do everything it takes to get the series lead back.

"Without taking anything away from our competitors, who have been of extremely high quality, we've had some very bad luck this year," said Cavigioli.

"We had hoped to try and win the title early: instead we're struggling to keep the lead. Still we will be fighting hard to win the battle," he warned. "Even in China if necessary!"

D.B. © CAPSIS International