Rising rally star Pierre Campana has moved to within two points of the lead of the hugely competitive Clio R3 European Trophy with third place on Rallye International du Valais, which finished in the Swiss town of Martigny yesterday (Saturday 30 October).

Driving his Ellip6-backed Clio R3, Corsican ace Campana underlined his potential by claiming 10th overall on the event, which marked the final round of the European Rally Championship. In doing so, the 25-year-old beat several drivers in more powerful machinery.

Campana will now go to the last event of the Clio R3 European Trophy season, Rallye du Var in France from 26-28 November, firmly in contention to land the one-make crown. He will start the event two points behind Dutch driver Kevin Abbring and 17 clear of Matteo Gamba, who still has a small mathematical chance of claiming the title.

"This is a very important result for me," said Campana. "Not only was I able to repay my sponsor, Ellip6, for the continued support they give me, but I now have a really good chance to win the Clio R3 European Trophy title, which could make a huge difference to my career. Things haven't worked out so well for me on some of the rallies I have done recently so to finish on the podium in Switzerland is a great relief and I have to thank my co-driver, Sabrina de Castelli, for all her help and the Munaretto team for giving me such a reliable and competitive car. My BFGoodrich tyres also performed very well."

Rain and even a four-kilometre section of snow on one stage made for a tricky event for Campana and his rivals. Despite the treacherous conditions, Campana didn't put a wheel wrong although he reported being too cautious on the 38.09-kilometre Les Cols stage, which resulted in him dropping more than a minute to his rivals and his Clio developing a small brake problem.

Nevertheless, Campana was very satisfied with his performance in Switzerland. He added: "I now go to Le Var with a big motivation to win the title. I am already dreaming of dedicating the trophy to my sponsor, Ellip6, to thank them for everything they have done for me. I finished second in the Clio category when I did the rally for the first time last year so I am confident of getting another strong result when I return to the rally at the end of November."

For further information:    

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

Ajaccio, 31 October 2010