Stobart Ford's
Gigi Galli was quickest in the shakedown for the Rally d'Italia Sardegna on Thursday morning, the sixth round in the 2008
FIA World Rally Championship.
Galli completed the 3.75 kilometre test stage near Monte Pinu - 10 kilometres west of the service park, in 3 minutes 19 seconds, setting his best time on his fourth and final pass.
"I have checked we have the right set up," said the Italian, "and the car is OK. Let's see what the stage conditions will be like tomorrow now. I'm aiming for a podium."
Citroen's
Sebastien Loeb meanwhile was 'best of the rest', eight tenths slower in his C4 WRC – having opted for three passes, while Dani Sordo and Jari Matti Latvala tied for the third best time, both a further second back.
"We have used the shakedown to test the set-up and everything was fine with my C4," noted Seb. "The rally will not be easy though because we have had a lot of rain in the build up. My goal is to take the lead in the championship again but this has always been a difficult event."
Further down the order
Subaru's
Petter Solberg rounded out the top five, with Jordan Rally winner and current championship leader,
Mikko Hirvonen sixth – although he did just one run through the test.
Mikko reported no problems however: "The test was good, we have tested both tyres and the set up of the car. Everything is OK," he explained. "I feel confident. The Focus is good."
Chris Atkinson and
Henning Solberg were next up, seventh and eighth respectively, although the former was very slow on his third pass after he hit a rock: "We touched the right front on a rock and we have damaged the suspension a little bit," confirmed the Aussie. "We are here to race though and I feel confident."
Suzuki's
Toni Gardemeister and Britain's
Matthew Wilson completed the top ten and while Toni had no problems with his SX4, his team-mate Per-Gunnar Andersson was not so lucky, with transmission problems hindering his final preparations.
