Umberto Scandola says his experience of competing on Rallye Sanremo won’t necessarily hand him an advantage when the Intercontinental Rally Challenge event begins on Friday afternoon.
The 26-year-old Italian will start the Tarmac event for a seventh time this week but reckons the competition will be evenly matched.
“I know the stages, I discovered them in 2004 when I worked with [IRC event winner] Andrea Navarra,” said Scandola. “Since then I took part in the race every year, it’s my seventh time here. But like me there are many other drivers that know it well, so I believe we’ll all start from the same level. There are several drivers who can win here.”
Scandola, who is co-driven by the experienced Guido D’Amore, is the sole M-Sport Ford Fiesta Super 2000 driver on the entry.
“Sanremo is not just a race it is the race,” Scandola continued. “The type of race and the length of its special stages, its history and charm, make it a special event both on the national and international arena.”