Gonon closes on Production title with victory

Florian Gonon has edged closer to the inaugural IRC Production Cup title by winning the ninth round of the series, Rallye Sanremo, in Italy yesterday.

Driving a Subaru Impreza WRX STI for the Annie Spiers Rallye Team, Gonon and co-driver Sandra Arlettaz led from the opening stage and only failed to top the category stage times on one occasion. It was their third victory in four starts.

But with no plans to contest the season-closing events in Scotland and Cyprus, the Swiss garage mechanic will have an agonising wait to see if he will take the crown, particularly as points and half and double points will be award for the final two rounds respectively.

Italian Marco Cavigioli finished second in his Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer to move into 11th position in the title standings. Third for Eamonn Boland, in another Lancer, elevates the Irishman into 10th place in the championship table.

Corrado Perino finished fourth in his Lancer, while French Subaru driver Johan Heloise failed to finish for a second year running, having been delayed on day one by a costly puncture.