At 5.00 h, as stated in the official program, the verifications of the eleventh edition of the Italian Baja have started. This race is valid for the Cross-Country Worldcup , for the European Trophy for Bajas and Italian Championship in that discipline for both cars and motobikes. Due to a major accident on the highway this morning, many drivers have been arriving late. Some of them had to give first aid. Many of the car trailers had to be stationned in special areas along the highway. Those arriving this evening, have been taken the chance for a last test before the race. Other have taken the chance to visit the region. Brugnera hosts the world competition for the first time. The city has prepared itself for offering the numerous competitiors a most comfortable stay. The hotel Ca’ Brugnera, logistical center of the rallye, welcomed also lots of spectators coming to see the cars and possibly collecting autographs from the drivers.
This morning, many teams have taken advantage of the beautiful wheather to test their cars again; Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, BMW and also Thierry Magnaldi with his Honda Buggy have tested the last modifications to the cars after the Dakar. The target of that test is to check following: steering, tires, speed, suspension etc. Tomorrow afternoon the prologue, the major target is gaining an early starting position, in order not to drive in the really thick dust. The official start of the cars at the Parc Villa Varda in Brugnera is at 3.30 p.m. The prologue of 7 km will be started at the Observatory Ariete near Vivaro at 4.30 p.m. The results will give the starting order for the first stage on Saturday. Each driver trying to get the best time to take advantage of starting ahead of all the rest. A spectacle is guaranteed..... The program for the motobikes is somewhat different. The competitors arriving tomorrow morning in Brugnera for the scrutineering planned from 7.30 a.m. to 12.00 h. After that, they are leaving the Parc Villa Varda at 1.30 h p.m. to drive to the Observatory Ariete near Vivaro for the first two special stages of 24 km each. The results giving the preliminary classification of the first day with the different time distances.
