Having put in an encouraging performance in the early phases of Rally Italia Sardegna, RK M-Sport World Rally Team’s Robert Kubica was caught out by the second pass of Monte Olia (SS12). Taking the front-right wheel off his Ford Fiesta RS WRC, the Pole’s day came to an untimely end.
As the crews embarked on another full day of competition, the rally was to deliver no less a challenge than yesterday’s eventful outing. With just four stages to contend with, one may be forgiven for assuming that the crews were in for a somewhat easier day. But with two passes of a mammoth 59.13 kilometre speed test, another daunting day’s rallying lay in wait.
Continuing to demonstrate their progression, Robert and co-driver Maciek Szczepaniak maintained their recent good form over the morning loop to further highlight their potential. Using the first pass to refine his notes on the more familiar stages, the Pole was driving well and able to harness the speed to challenge towards the head of the field.
Unfortunately, his hard work was to become undone on SS12. Clipping a rock just a kilometre from the stage end, the M-Sport driver took the front-right wheel off his Fiesta RS WRC which brought a premature end to his day’s rallying.
With the M-Sport mechanics currently repairing the damaged RK M-Sport Fiesta, Robert will restart with 10 minutes of Rally 2 penalties tomorrow.
Robert Kubica (8th) said:
“It was a short, quick turn. I kept my car close to the inside since the road was narrow. Unfortunately somewhere in the bushes was hidden a big rock. We hit it and the wheel came off.
“It’s a shame because up until that moment I was driving steadily and showing some good pace without taking any risks. We had no big moments at all.
“These things happen and we need to remember that there are still a lot of positives to take from the last two days. Our times and my driving through some of the stages show that I am heading in right direction.
“We will continue tomorrow. It’s important for the mileage and besides I think the best thing to do in such situations is to get back in the car and drive again.”
Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:
“I’ve not had chance to speak with Robert [Kubica] personally, but from what I understand he was caught out on SS12 – clipping a rock which damaged the front-right wheel.
“As we have seen, this is a very difficult event and up until that point he was having a really good day. He’s certainly heading in the right direction and most importantly he will be back under Rally 2 regulations tomorrow.”