Evans’ Dmack victory at Bettega Memorial Rally ‘important’ to brand growth in Italy

OMPI Racing Tyres to distribute Dmack tyres in Italy

Dmack British Rally Champion Elfyn Evans rounded off his spectacular season in style with overall victory at this weekend’s popular Bettega Memorial Rally at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. Evans beat Kalle Rovanpera (Ford, running on Pirelli tyres) after fending off competition from World Rally Championship runner-up Thierry Neuville (Hyundai, Michelin) and Alessandro Bettega (Ford, Yokohama) in two days of qualifying heats on the purpose built track. Dmack managing director Dick Cormack said the win was “an important result” for Dmack in growing the brand in Italy.

Evans used Dmack’s soft compound GS61 gravel tyres on the mixed surface track. At the wheel of a Ford Fiesta RS WRC, he was unbeaten in all the heats and won three races from four in the final.

OMPI Racing Tyres, recently appointed as Dmack dealer for Italy and headed by former world rally driver Piero Liatti, was instrumental in Evans’ attendance at the event. The company used it to launch its range of Dmack products to competitors in the Italian Rally Championship.

The victory rounded off an impressive season for Evans and Dmack. Together they won the MSA British Rally Championship for both drivers and teams after taking five wins from the seven events.

Elfyn Evans flanked by representatives of Dmack and Italy dealer OMPI Racing Tyres

The Bettega Memorial is held in memory of the legendary Italian rally driver Attilio Bettega who lost his life in a fatal crash during the 1985 Tour de Corse rally. It brings together a number of star drivers in a flat-out sprint where every split second counts and the smallest mistake can wipe away any chance of victory.

Dmack driver Elfyn Evans said: “It’s been a great weekend, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed racing on the track and it’s fantastic to come away with the overall trophy. The tyres from Dmack have been ideal here. It’s actually quite demanding on tyres and we had the perfect strategy all weekend to cope with both the gravel and asphalt sections.”

Dmack managing director Dick Cormack said: “Winning against three other tyre manufacturers is a great way for us to end the season. Elfyn has once again delivered a perfect drive over the two days against some tough competition and really deserves the victory. It’s an important result to promote Dmack in the Italian market where we are planning further growth next season.”