Basso pleased with PROTON progress

Giandomenico Basso believes his PROTON Satria Neo Super 2000 is improving all the time following an impressive showing on day two of the Prime Yalta Rally.

The Italian ace is 10th overnight in his factory-run machine, which he is sharing with countryman Mitia Dotta.

He had run as high as fifth but lost time with a few mechanical issues and a puncture.

“It’s been a very difficult day because the stages are not easy and we had some problems,” said Basso, a four-time IRC event winner. “I was happy with stages three and four, they were good, then we had a problem with the powersteering on stage five, which meant I ran wide on a corner and got a puncture.

“But the good thing is the car is better than it was on [Rally Islas Canarias] and that’s important because it means we are improving. I want to be fast tomorrow and go for a good overall finish.”