Catalunya - OMV Kronos Citroën WRT - Leg 1The OMV Kronos Citroën WRT has mixed feelings when looking back on the first day of Rally Catalunya, the eleventh run of the FIA World Rally Championship.
Following the early retirement of Manfred Stohl/Ilka Minor on special
stage three due to a rollover, the hopes lay on François Duval and co-driver Patrick Pivato.
The Belgian driver in the Citroen Xsara WRC impressed with a best time on SS 3 and third place on the fourth special stage. Following day one in Spain he currently lies in good fifth overall place.
Following this, conditions did not suit him as much anymore but he nevertheless securely stayed within scoring ranks.
"It was a little bit too hard and slippery for my taste.
The car was moving around a bit much," said Duval.
Thus the Belgian driver and his French co-driver Patrick Pivato finished the first day of the rally in good fifth overall place – although only 9.6 seconds ahead of Petter Solberg, which promises a hot fight for Saturday.
Source OMV Kronos Citroën WRT
