Monte Carlo : First Motorsport - Finish
Though the adventure ended prematurely, the results achieved by François Duval - Patrick Pivato and the Skoda Fabia showed everybody that Willy Collignon and his Skoda Import and Kizz-Me partners have brilliantly taken up the challenge, within a few weeks only.
After Duval-Pivato had ranked sixth on Friday at the end of the Rallye de Monte-Carlo`s first leg - opening round of the 2006 World Rally Championship -, this morning, they had already won back a position in overall standings after the first two stages, moving eventually to the 5th overall, before all Skodas enlisted in the event.

"We were coming back to the podium," explained the pilot, who had tried to win back the minutes lost on Friday morning after a wrong tyre choice."

"But, of course, to achieve such good times, we had to attack. In stage nine, we got to a skid braking, I used the handbrake to put the car in the right direction… but it ended slightly below the road, resting on its crankcase protection. And while we were vainly trying to get the car out of there, the reverse broke."

Skoda Fabia WRC nr 17 did not take the start on Sunday for the last leg.

"The Monte-Carlo Rally is a real specific event and is not representative of the rallies to come. We could have ended the race and started again in the super rallye. However, in agreement with all parties, we decided to concentrate our efforts on preparing the Rallye de Cataluña – with more tests, for example – where we hope to see and meet everybody," declared Willy Collignon, showing much confidence for the next WRC events. "Our team and car proved their competitiveness. The future will surely be full of good surprises."

Tags: rally,