Scandola aims for rapid times in Sanremo

Umberto Scandola says setting competitive stage times would mean more to him than a strong overall result on Rallye Sanremo.

The 25-year-old, a former works Abarth driver, is taking part on his second asphalt event in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 and is eager to prove his pace on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge round.

“The competition here is beautiful because there are many people and every car is fast,” said Scandola, who drives for the Italian A-Style outfit. “It’s difficult but for this reason it’s beautiful. Maybe we need some more tests on Tarmac but the car is now very fast and it’s important to use that to get a good result but on every stage, not just in the final positions.”

Scandola, who says Rallye Sanremo is the best event in his country, was the leading Italian driver in today’s pre-event shakedown. He set the fourth fastest time of 2m08.3s over the 3.36-kilometre course, 2.3s slower than 2009 winner and IRC champion Kris Meeke managed.