Rossetti stunned by shakedown pace

Luca Rossetti has likened the pace in shakedown for Rali Vinho Madeira to a Formula One grand prix.

The Italian, a four-time winner in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, is making his first start in the series this season on the island event in a Procar-run Abarth Grande Punto Super 2000.

“It was like qualifying for a Formula One race – the speed was incredible for a shakedown,” said Rossetti, who was fifth fastest on the 3.33-kilometre course despite reporting a minor clutch problem. “My last rally was on gravel so I was having to find the feeling [on Tarmac] again.”

While Rossetti has competed in Madeira on two previous occasions, his Procar team has won the rally three times with team manager Daniele Pelliccioni a veteran of 14 Madeira rallies.