i20 R5 crews show good pace on return to international rallying Craig Breen started his FIA European Rally Championship campaign with a fourth place finish at Rally di Roma Capitale (July 24-26). On his first start as part of Team MRF Tyres, and his debut at the event, the Irishman was a consistent presence in the leading group throughout the stages, never falling out of the top-six. He was one of five i20 R5 customers taking part in the weekend – which marked the restart of the international rallying season. Customer Racing Junior Driver Grégoire Munster finished an impressive seventh overall, and fourth within the ERC1 Junior class in his second start with the i20 R5. Munster, who is also supported by Hyundai Belgium underlined his pace – and that of his BMA-run car – by setting the best time within the Junior category on the final stages. The rally also hosted the opening round of the Italian national championship, with Hyundai Rally Team Italia driver Umberto Scandola among those competing for domestic honours. Unfortunately, two minor problems on the opening day put him out of contention for the leading places. However, he showed superb pace on the second day of running. On five of the nine stages he set times good enough for the top-five overall as he aimed to recover some of the lost time. |