News in Brief: Van Deijne / Poland / Italy

A selection of stories that are making the news in the WRC:

DMACK shoot-out: Dutchman Kevin van Deijne has become the first driver to qualify for the Drive DMACK Fiesta Shoot-Out.

The 24-year-old finished ninth in class at Rally de Portugal on only his second WRC outing – the fastest driver outside the one-make series to pilot a DMACK-shod Ford Fiesta R2.

Van Deijne will compete against other nominees at an end of year shoot-out for the chance to win a one-off WRC drive in a Fiesta R5 next season.

The shoot-out rewards drivers not entered for the five-round trophy itself. They can enter one or more rounds in their own cars and compete alongside the series regulars, with the best earning a place in the shoot-out.

Poland president: Poland president Bronislaw Komorowski has pledged his support for LOTOS Rally Poland by becoming an honorary patron of the event.

Andrzej Witkowski, president of the Polish Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, said the president’s support was ‘an exceptional distinction’.

The rally, round seven of the championship, is based in Mikolajki on 26 - 29 June. It will include stages in neighbouring Lithuania for the first time.

Promoting safety: Rally Italia Sardegna organisers are planning a series of road safety initiatives for youngsters in Cagliari in the run up to the event.

Automobile Club Italy will join forces with city authorities to explain the perils of drink driving, use karts to highlight the safety code and invite WRC drivers to stress the importance of safety both in motorsport and everyday driving.

Parents will also be taught the importance of using baby seats for their children and how to use them properly.

The rally starts in the centre of Cagliari on 5 June, with the opening 1.3km stage held in the city’s port area immediately afterwards.