Class victories and fraternal competition on Pirelli tyres at Wales Rally GB

One of four World Rally Championship tyre suppliers, Pirelli experienced success in the season-closing Wales Rally GB, as Gianluca Linari won the WRC2 Production class, taking the title too, while Fabio Andolfi finished second in the WRC3 category and won class RC4. The wind and rain pummelled event saw Ford Fiesta RS WRC drivers Robert Kubica and Lorenzo Bertelli finishing top of those fitting Pirelli tyres, fighting the elements to finish ninth and tenth.

Another notable Pirelli story from the event was found amongst the local crews fitting the manufacturer’s products. The Moffett brothers, Sam and Josh, finished just 13 seconds apart after the three-day Wales Rally GB. Both driving Pirelli-shod Ford Fiesta RS WRCs, the brothers fought a private battle within their Combilift Rally Team throughout the 19 special stages.

Sam initially had the upper hand but then Josh move ahead on SS3. The gap was 22s on the final morning, and it came down to 13s by the end of the day.

Multiple Scottish champion David Bogie had a nightmare event. He and co-driver Kevin Rae were 17^th fastest overall on stage three on Friday, but an oil cooler failure in their Ford Fiesta R5 meant they had to retire from the event.

“Unfortunately on SS4 a hole in the road caused the car to crash out mid-corner, putting it into a spin and clipping a bank in the process,” said Bogie. “No damage other than a burst oil cooler but that meant we could go no further. After long discussions, it was decided we would not super rally. We’re working on other plans, which would benefit from saving mileage on the car.”