Hannes Danzinger began what he hopes will be a major FIA ERC 2WD Championship campaign in style yesterday.
The promising Austrian topped the category on the International Jännerrallye, which took place in his homeland from 3-5 January and enjoyed extensive coverage on Eurosport.
“It’s a good way to start the season,” said Danzinger, whose Renault Clio R3 was co-driven by Germany’s Kathi Wüstenhagen. “It’s a new team and a nearly new co-driver so it’s a really good start. I am hoping to do many rounds in the European championship.”
Despite finishing more than six minutes clear of second-placed Elwis Chentre, Danzinger’s event wasn’t entirely without drama. He suffered a brief off-road moment on day one and was then forced to change a puncture on Saturday’s penultimate test. However, his advantage was such that his grip on top spot was never truly threatened.
Behind second-placed Italian Chentre, in a ŠKODA Fabia R2, Hungarian Zoltán Bessenyey impressed onboard his Honda Civic Type R. Germany’s Raffael Sulzinger was fourth in a Ford Fiesta R2 but there was disappointment for young Austrian Hermann Neubauer who tore the front-left wheel from his Suzuki Swift after striking a manhole cover on day two while on course for the runner-up spot.