Pirelli Star Driver Raschi meets FIA President Jean Todt

at an evening in his native San Marino

By Franck Drui

22 March 2010 - 13:24
Pirelli Star Driver Raschi meets (...)

Alex Raschi, one of Pirelli’s five Star Drivers in this year’s FIA World Rally Championship, was present at an evening in his native San Marino on Thursday night where the guest of honour was FIA President Jean Todt.

The gala evening was hosted by the San Marino Motorsport Federation (FAMS), represented by its President, Filippo Reggini, and also attended by San Marino’s Minister of Sport, Fabio Berardi, and the country’s Olympic Committee General Secretary, Eros Bologna. Pirelli’s Rally Manager, Mario Isola, was also present.

Following an official presentation in San Marino’s government building, the Eccellentissimi Capitani Reggenti, Raschi’s exciting six-rally programme for 2010 was unveiled at a press conference held in a local hotel in front of media and special guests.

The 22-year-old, who will be co-driven by Italy’s Rudy Pollet this year, will contest the FIA World Rally Championship events in Turkey, Portugal, Finland, Germany, France and Great Britain. Along with Estonian Ott Tanak, he was selected by an international jury last year to represent Europe in the 2010 Pirelli Star Driver Scheme.

Raschi went straight to the evening in San Marino from a week of training, during which all the Pirelli Star Drivers had their first taste of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X that they will drive this year. They also attended a workshop concentrating on media training and public relations.

Raschi said: "It was a huge honour to be invited to this presentation in the presence of President Todt. Along with everybody else, I was absolutely surprised and thrilled when I heard that he would be coming. I know that he has always had a very good relationship with San Marino’s motorsport federation, and so we were very privileged to have him with us. It meant a great deal to me."

Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Rally Manager, added: "The Star Driver programme is a clear example of the cooperation that exists between the FIA and Pirelli. What started as an idea on paper has evolved into a selection process and tremendous opportunity for young and aspiring rally drivers around the world."

Following the presentation, Raschi returned to the Pirelli Star Driver training base in Tuscany to continue his test at the wheel of the Ralliart Italia-prepared Mitsubishi.

Alex Raschi’s 2010 FIA World Rally Championship schedule

18 April: Turkey
30 May: Portugal
31 July: Finland
22 August: Germany
03 October: France
14 November: Great Britain

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