Al-Attiyah moves into pole position
Nasser Al-Attiyah takes on the tag WRC 2 favourite after Australia win
Bertelli plots WR Car programme in 2015
WRC 2 front-runner, Lorenzo Bertelli, is planning to leave the category behind in 2015 and graduate to a WR Car programme.
The Italian has been one of the fastest and most consistent performers in the WRC feeder series this year and leads the championship standings by three points after last week’s Coates Hire Rally Australia.
But the 26-year-old is already planning the next step in his rallying career and he sees a WR Car programme as a viable move.
“We are working for next year and I don't think I’m going to race in WRC 2 anymore,” he told wrc.com. “There may be some events in a WR Car – perhaps all the season. Right now, I think there is a good possibility to do at least half the season in a WR Car.”
Bertelli’s plans to graduate to WR Car machinery in 2015 may come as a surprise to many in the WRC service park, particularly as he only started his rallying career in 2010. But The Ford Fiesta R5 driver believes he is ready for his next challenge.
He said: “This is my first proper season in WRC 2 and nobody expected me to be here fighting for the title.
"I have been a little bit surprised too, but we have shown some good pace in the car when everything has been okay.
“For sure, I cannot compete with the top guys in the WR Cars but I think we can have some fun and do some strong times on the stages.”
Bertelli has limited experience in WR Car machinery to date. His one and only appearance in the WRC's top specification of rally car came at the all-asphalt Monza Rally Show in 2012. He finished the event in 18th place.
