World Rally Cars return to Sanremo

11th August 2010

By Richard Rodgers

World Rally Cars will be back in action on Rallye Sanremo for the first time in seven years, organisers of the asphalt classic have announced.

Event boss Sergio Maiga has confirmed the machines will be permitted to take part in the Sanremo Leggenda, which runs on the back of the main Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier from September 23-25.

Previously reserved for historic rally cars, the Leggenda, which covers 120 competitve kilometres over eight stages compared to the main rally’s 220 kilometrs over 11 timed tests, will now be open to crews in World Rally Cars as well.

“The idea is to give to as many drivers as possible the opportunity to pour out their passion in the same event together with the big drivers of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge and the Italian Rally Championship, including drivers who do not have the possibility to compete in a highly demanding race as historically is Rallye Sanremo,” said Maiga.

The last time World Rally Cars were in action in Sanremo was in 2003 when Sebastien Loeb claimed victory in a Citroen Xsara WRC, which also marked the event’s final appearance in the World Rally Championship before Sardinia took over hosting Italy’s WRC counter.