Rd.5 of P-WRC (Production World Rally Championship) was held between MAY 22^nd and 24^th for the first time in Sardegna, Italy. Distant about 320km west of Rome, the capital of Italy, is where this island of Olbia, Sardegna lies. 17 Special Stages, totaling 346km of high speed gravel action full of slick narrow roads, with outside temperature reaching over 30°C, this has become one tough rally for all the competitors.

 

P.Flodin started out 4^th in SS1, but he gained pace from SS2 and recorded fastest time in SS2, SS3, and SS6, leading the pack by just 0.7 seconds to finish 1st in DAY1.

 

Right off the back in SS7, he faced propeller shaft failure and due to traction loss, he could not gain pace. He was forced to drive patiently until SS9 which ended around noon, so that his vehicle can be serviced for rapid repair. At this point, he was placing 5^th, 3min. 8sec. behind the leader. But thanks to the skilled mechanics of Uspenskiy Rally Tecnica, the vehicle has been repaired and P.Flodin is back in the game.

 

"This was the roughest course of the day, and there was nothing but big rocks on the road" comments G.Bergsten, the co-driver. In SS10, they had to keep their pace and finished 5^th, but they gained momentum from SS11, and placed 2^nd, 1.6sec. behind the leader. Last stage in DAY2 was the longest race of this round with distance of 30km, recording fastest time to finished 4^th in DAY2.

 

With much gap to fill behind the leader, P.Flodin pushes hard and at one point, he places 3^rd but due to time loss caused by electronic failure, he was charged with a penalty when arriving at the time control. Unfortunately, he was unable to keep his position and finished 4^th overall.

Even going through many difficulties, P.Flodin recorded four fastest times, and three 2^nd fastest times out of 17 Special Stages, demonstrating his tremendous capabilities.

 

Next round will be held at Acropolis Rally, Greece between JUNE 11^th and 14^th, so stay with us for more action from P.Flodin and the TYPE Gr.N.