03
December
2006
|
10:00
Europe/Amsterdam

Wales Rally GB 2006: Pirelli on the podium

 

 

WALES RALLY GB 2006: PIRELLI ON THE PODIUM
WITH SOLBERG AND DOMINATES THE GROUP N
Petter Solberg comes third in the last rally of the Pirelli-Subaru WRC's partnership.
Alen, Flodin and Svedlund on P Zero take all among the Group N's production cars.


Cardiff (GB), 3 December 2006 - Finishing third in the Rally of Great Britain is conclusive proof that Petter Solberg (Subaru Impreza WRC) offered Pirelli Competizioni its last important World Rally Championship placing of the partnership between the Milanese tyre maker and the Subaru World Rally Team. A partnership which, with this last 2006 event, comes to an end after winning six world titles - three Constructors' and three drivers' - and no fewer than 46 WRC victories.

Paul Hembery, Director of Pirelli Competizioni, said a number of aspects are worth taking into consideration on this occasion. He remarked, "As we announced last summer, Pirelli will not compete directly for the 2007 World Rally Championship. This last season has certainly not been one of the most sensational, but it is also true that, with the sudden, unexpected retirement of Mitsubishi a few weeks before the Rally of Monte Carlo and being able to only supply our tyres to just one factory team without any other top squads, Pirelli Competizioni found itself in a difficult situation. In addition, to find ourselves up against a little known brand and no longer our long-standing adversary (although in reality, the products supplied were those of that adversary) and of lower level than Pirelli, certainly did not improve matters. I would like to repeat that, while working in conditions that were not ideal, we always did everything we could to supply Subaru with the most competitive and technologically advanced products. We also brought to this rally new developments of our Pirelli P Zero. We are analysing the details provided by FIA on the tender competition to supply tyres for the WRC during the years 2008-2010. There are also other negotiations in progress for the 2007 season, but it is too early to speak of them. In the name of Pirelli, I would like to thank the Subaru World Rally Team for the collaborative spirit they have shown over many years. Now we must concentrate immediately on future commitments".

Returning to the British event, Rally Manager of Pirelli Competizioni Mario Isola said, "Petter exploited well the Pirelli P Zero tyres we offered him, as is shown by the five specials stages overall that he won, and the good performance of Chris Atkinson. A further confirmation of the great value of P Zero comes from the Group N podium, which was entirely monopolised by drivers who competed on Pirelli tyres: Anton Alen, Patrik Flodin and Oscar Svedlund dominated that segment of this rally with their Subaru Impreza STis on Pirelli".

Rally GB final results, WRC round nr. 16:
1. Gronholm (Ford) 3h20'24''8
2. Stohl (Peugeot) +1'35''5
3. Solberg (Subaru) +1'55''2
...
6. Atkinson (Subaru) +3'27''5
...
13. Alen (Subaru) +20'24''8 (1. Gr.N)



For more information and pictures on Pirelli's motorsport activities visit: www.pirellicompetizioni.com

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