Valentino Rossi claims 12th in Rally GB

MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi ended his second assault on the Wales Rally GB in 12th position yesterday.

The 29-year-old, who ended a weather-hit first day down in 24th place, bought his Stobart Ford Focus WRC car just outside the top ten as he finished one place lower than his Rally New Zealand appearance in 2006.

He performed considerably better than his Rally GB debut back in 2006 when he crashed out on the very first stage. And in another major boost, he was considerably closer to the event winner Sebastien Loeb than he was behind Rally New Zealand winner Marcus Gronholm.

“He was over seven minutes closer to Loeb at the weekend than he had been to Gronholm two years ago, The Fiat Yamaha rider, who won nine races in 2008, made more progress up the field in yet more icy conditions in the final four stages yesterday to move from 15th at the end of the second day.

On his way to 12th place overall, Rossi picked up his pace on the final day and he claimed his best stage result of the event though Port Talbot 1 when he clocked the 11th quickest time.

He was also 11th in the return run through Port Talbot, as he was one of the most consistent performers on the final day.

Rossi was delighted with his performance and said: “I’m very happy, firstly to finish the rally and secondly to set some very good times on the four stages on the last day.

“The car was fantastic and I was finding it easy to drive when we got a precise setting. My approach here was to take the race step-by-step and try not to make any mistakes and this worked well. I think this rally was very difficult and finishing it makes me very happy indeed.

“The Focus was really nice to drive and it’s been fantastic working with the Stobart team; they are all very friendly and hopefully we will get a chance to work again together.”