Pierre Campana has experienced several highs during his hugely promising rallying career, a podium finish on the Junior World Rally Championship section of the Tour de Corse and class victory on the recent Rally d'Alpi Orientali being two examples. However, on Rallye Sanremo, which finished in the city of flowers on Saturday afternoon, he suffered a rare bout of misfortune when he was forced to retire from the demanding asphalt rally.

Driving his Ellip6-backed Renault Clio R3, the 25-year-old rising star from Corsica was chasing his second consecutive victory in the Italian Trofeo Clio R3 when his car suffered an engine sensor problem on the 44-kilometre Ronde stage, which took place in changeable weather conditions late on Friday night, and ground to a halt.

Campana was able to continue after he and co-driver Sabrina de Castelli made frantic repairs, only for the problem to recur, which forced them to complete the stage with no working headlights after the car stopped for a second time.

"It was very disappointing," said Campana. "Unfortunately these things can happen although we were actually very lucky to be able to complete the stage because when we stopped for the second time we almost did not restart."

Sadly for Campana his challenge ended for good on Saturday's opening test, the 29.56-kilometre Ceppo stage, when he suffered a spin on a tight corner under a bridge. Although contact was only slight, it was enough to damage his car's radiator, which caused the engine to overheat. With no alternative, Campana was forced to retire.

"It's a great shame the rally ended so early because it's a great event and a fantastic challenge," said Campana. "I want to thank my sponsor, Ellip6, for giving me this excellent opportunity and I hope I can repay their faith in me when I take part on my next event."

Campana is due to return to action when he contests the penultimate round of the Clio R3 European Trophy on Rallye International du Valais in Switzerland at the end of October. After four events, he is firmly in contention for the coveted one-make title.

For further information:    

www.pierrecampana.com
www.quadrasports.com
media@quadrasports.com
www.ellip6.com