Gianluca Linari

An architect by profession, Linari started rallying in 1987 and tackled his first World Rally Championship event in Sardinia in 2007. The highlight of his career undoubtedly came in 2010 when he claimed a podium finish in the PWRC section of Rally Japan, which helped him to secure sixth position in the final standings. After finishing 10th in the PWRC in 2011, Linari entered last year's championship with a new car, a Mitsubishi Lancer, and co-driver, Nicola Arena. The pair achieved a fourth place, their best finish of 2012, in Mexico. Linari and Arena also took two fifth places in New Zealand and Argentina on their way to ninth in the overall PWRC championship.