But it might be only temporary...With the Panizzi brothers, it was Gilles at the wheel, Hervé with the notes. That is how things went for a number of years, including the great World Championship seasons and the three consecutive Rally Sanremo victories. The inseparable
duo?
"In fact, we have separated!" confirmed Hervé. "But it doesn't mean it will be forever. If Gilles signs on for a full IRC season next year, and I hope so, I could get back in the seat."
In the meantime, Hervé is taking care of the relationship between Gilles and his sponsors, which is another way of keeping contact and staying close to his brother.
"Not being at Gilles' right this weekend does not please me. The Sanremo is also a particular race for me and I would have liked to share the cockpit of the Peugeot 207 S2000 with him," he said.
The stakes are high this time around: "Gilles has not raced in over a year, a lack of competitive pace could be embarrassing. But on the roads of the Sanremo outback, the feeling should return very quickly and he might very well be in good position for a fourth victory. To see him on the highest step of the podium would be fabulous, winning would be the best gift he could give me."
During the last appearance of the 'Panizzi Brothers Institution' at Sanremo, the pair had reached a superb second place, right behind
Sebastien Loeb. Thanks to their great knowledge of the region's weather, they were the only crew expecting rain.
The uncertain weather conditions for this 49th Rally Sanremo could once again turn in favour of the French driver of Italian orgin, Gilles Panizzi.
"It's a possibility, but only a possibility," said Hervé Panizzi. "The rain that fell during the shakedown makes things even more unsure. The water sent leaves falling onto the roads, making the grip conditions uncertain."
"That's what's beautiful about rallying, that's what's beautiful about Sanremo," he concluded.
