With a bright end to the second day, which had its peak with the fantastic performances in front of the large crowds of spectators on the special stage in the town of Opatija. Italian drivers and current European Champions Luca Rossetti and Matteo Chiarcossi (Abarth Grande Punto S2000) have stretched their lead to a reassuring margin of more than 01min ahead of Luca Betti/Maurizio Barone (Peugeot 207 S2000). The latter, after a great day in which he also won two stages, has in turn gained the same advantage over Piero Longhi. The former Italian Champion managed to regain third place overall towards the end of the day, but he will have to contend with the predictable reaction from the Polish driver Maciej Oleksowicz (Ford Fiesta S2000) who pursues him, only 6″6 behind.
Behind them, firmly in fifth is Bulgarian Iliev (Skoda Fabia S2000), while the fight for sixth place sees Ruta (winner of a stage in the second day), Tlustak (Skoda Fabai S2000) and Pulic (Abarth Grande Punto S2000) enclosed in less than 30sec.
Andrea Dallavilla’s day had an unlucky end: The leader in Gr.N and ninth overall after the last special stage was forced to retire in the final service due to an engine overheating problem.
Among the two-wheel-drive cars Rok Turk (Peugeot 207 R3T) continues to lead in the European Championship category ahead of Giovanni Vergnano (Fiat Grande Punto R3D).