Scandola: Rallye Sanremo will be close

Umberto Scandola says his experience of competing on Rallye Sanremo won’t necessarily hand him an advantage when the Intercontinental Rally Challenge event begins on Friday afternoon.

The 26-year-old Italian will start the Tarmac event for a seventh time this week but reckons the competition will be evenly matched.

“I know the stages, I discovered them in 2004 when I worked with [IRC event winner] Andrea Navarra,” said Scandola. “Since then I took part in the race every year, it’s my seventh time here. But like me there are many other drivers that know it well, so I believe we’ll all start from the same level. There are several drivers who can win here.”

Scandola, who is co-driven by the experienced Guido D’Amore, is the sole M-Sport Ford Fiesta Super 2000 driver on the entry.

“Sanremo is not just a race it is the race,” Scandola continued. “The type of race and the length of its special stages, its history and charm, make it a special event both on the national and international arena.”