Rallye Sanremo: Skoda final summary

Fabia WRC claims its first points for Škoda Motorsport
Didier Auriol finishes 12th after dramatic final day
Sanremo confirms asphalt settings for Corsica and Spain

Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team driver Didier Auriol finished the Sanremo Rally in 12th position. The result brought the first points for the Fabia WRC in the Manufacturers' competition since the car was introduced 11 weeks ago.

Team mate Toni Gardemeister crashed out of the rally on the opening day after suffering a brake failure.

Today saw a dramatic finale to the rally as the closing stages were affected by rain after the cars had left service, leaving almost everyone on the wrong tyre choice. The leaderboard was turned upside down but Didier, running first on the road into unknown conditions, drove with caution to maintain his position.

Didier said: "This morning I had a heavy vibration from the right front wheel and also I stalled the car at the start of SS2. We then had a hydraulic problem on the final stage that left us without the clutch and differentials so, combined with the weather conditions it was a very difficult end to the rally and I am relieved to make it home and in the points!"

Director of Škoda Motorsport, Petr Kohoutek said: "Obviously we have mixed feelings about our performance here. However, we have picked up the first points for the Fabia WRC and so let's build on that for the rallies that lie ahead."

The World Rally Championship remains in southern Europe for two more asphalt rallies before the end of October. The Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team is next in action in 12 days' time on the Rally of Corsica and then Spain for the Catalunya Rally immediately afterwards.

Didier's six wins in Corsica is not only a record for the rally but is also the highest number of victories for any driver on a single event in the World Rally Championship.

Next WRC event: Corsica Rally (F), October 17-19

-skoda-