Ticino: Home game of the rally champion
"BALLY" AGAINST CARRON Since Ivan Ballinari is already established as the champion, he can appear at the Rally del Ticino without a care in the world. Likewise Sébastien Carron at the second start in the VW Polo R5. After a long summer break, the Swiss Rally Championship returns for the penultimate round. Because this year's Rally del Ticino is only 48.72 kilometers long, this [...]
After a long summer break, the Swiss Rally Championship returns for the penultimate round. Because the Rally del Ticino this year is only over 48.72 kilometers, this had consequences in advance - as reported - in the classification of the fifth SM run. As there are less than 50 timed kilometers on the program, there are less championship points. As a result, Ivan Ballinari on Skoda Fabia R5 has already been determined as the champion.
Anticipation of the duel
With Sébastien Carron, the rider who was the only one to beat the now two-time Swiss champion (Chablais) has registered for the race in Ticino.
Ivan Ballinari: "I'm looking forward to the duel with Sébastien. We've had great duels in the past and it will certainly be exciting again in Ticino. Unfortunately, we're not driving on identical material. And if you take the gap I had to Sébastien at the Rally du Chablais, then it's clear who deserves the role of favorite. Nevertheless, I'm obviously looking forward to my home rally and hope that many fans will support me."
Free beer for all
The Valais native is also looking forward to the latest duel with "Bally" at the wheel of a VW Polo R5. However, he emphasizes that fun is his main priority.
Sébastien Carron: "The fire is still burning inside me. I have always enjoyed taking part in this rally. But my attitude has changed. For me, the focus is no longer on points or the championship."
Because this has already been decided, the fans can look forward to an open battle. Regardless of the outcome of the eagerly awaited duel, both will have fun at the finish in Chiasso. Ballinari has already organized free beer for all participants and fans...
Luck for Solomon
Jean-Marc Salomon, who is practically the runner-up, will also start with his Ford Fiesta R5. The Jura native survived a rollover ("My worst accident in 30 years") with the Tatuus Honda race car at the St-Ursanne - Les Rangiers hillclimb, fortunately without any health consequences.
A total of seven other R5 teams from Ticino and Italy are expected on the grid. In addition, four potent WRC cars, including last year's winner Kevin Ghilardoni in the Hyundai i20, against which Carron and Ballinari will compete.
Decision in the Junior-SM?
In the Junior SS with cars from the R2 class, a second place behind Sacha Althaus (Moutier) would be enough for Jonathan Michellod from Verbier to win the title early. If Althaus wins and Michellod "only" finishes third, the decision will not be made until the final in Valais.
The participants in the Clio R3T Trophy and the Trophée Michelin will be scoring points this weekend at the Mont Blanc-Morzine Rally, which is taking place at the same time in France near the border. They will then be back on the road in Switzerland in October.
It all starts in Ticino on Friday evening from 7 p.m. with the opening ceremony in Chiasso at the Corso San Gottardo. On Saturday, starting at 10 a.m., the stages "Valcolla" (12.7 km) are to be completed three times, "Isone" (6.74 km) twice and "Penz" near Chiasso (3.1 km) once. The podium ceremony is scheduled around 6 pm.
