23.07.2012

On Sunday russian pilot of latvian team „RE Autoclub” Ilya Kuznecov together with Roman Yelagin finished overall in 8th place of Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), World cup stage in Spain – „Baja Espana Aragon”. Winner of this race was legendary french pilot Setphane Peterhansel with „Mini All4 Racing”.

Fight for the FIA World cup’s overall points led most of the rally stars, who represent teams with huge budgets and possiblities, to Spain. So because of that, it was not a big surprise that first two places were taken by „Mini All4 Racing” drivers – previously mentioned franch Sephane Peterhansel and pilot from Dubai Halifa al Mutaivei. Next two places were taken by russian team’s „G-Force Motorsport” pilots – Vladimir Vasilyev and Boris Gadasin with „G-Force” prototypes.

„RE Autoclub’s” crew Ilya Kuznecov and Roman Yelagin with „Mitsubishi Pajero EVO” overall took 8th place, but in class „T1-1” – 4th place.

„We are very satisfied with gained results in Spain,” told „RE Autoclub’s” director Roberts Elbakjans. „From the begining of the race till the end, distance was not easy at all. Biggest problems were caused by the dust, it really limited visibility. Also one unusual thing was that there was limited time of car’s maintenance – one hour before and one hour after specific stage.

Few weeks ago in Moscow, three crews from „RE Autoclub” took part in Russia’s „Silk Way” rally, where unfortunately finnish pilot Toni Gardemeister seriously injured his back. In Finland his spinal vertebrae injury has been already operated, rehabilitation will take around 9th months. So that means „flying finn” most probably will be back in „RE Autoclub” team only around next year’s spring.
With withrdawal of Gardemeister from the crew „RE Autoclub’s” participation in Europe’s and World rally stages is not finished. Goal in „Silk Way” was achieved by one of the three „RE Autoclub’s” crews. Russian athletes Aleksandr Terentyev/Aleksandr Terentyev jr. driving „Toyota Land Cruiser 200” and finishing overall in 55th place.

„RE Autoclub’s” season continues with participation in FIA World Cup stage „Hungarian Baja”, which will take place from 23rd till 26th of August.