Yesterday at the Fair, in Pordenone, the welcome day and the first sporting and technical checks of the competitors. Today the conclusion of the checks in the morning and, in the afternoon, the official departure from Piazza del Popolo in San Vito al Tagliamento.
First and starting will be motorcycles and quads (at 15.30) followed by cars (16.30). The Italian Baja 2009 thus comes to life after four months of preparations and the last three weeks spent in agony, fine-tuning every detail of the complex organizational machine. The Off-road Club 4x4 Pordenone grits its teeth and goes on in a really difficult time for everyone and therefore also for car competitions.
Just last year it was a record number of participants (183), this year there are 76 and we have to be satisfied. Around there are many races that suffer, some even 'jump ". But the Italian Baja is still ready to give emotions and spectacle to the fans of the' tout terrain", with an deployment of forces that preserves the enthusiasm for the great international event. The race valid for the Fia Cup for Cross Country Bajas sees many foreigners at the start 'against "the 18 Italians, bringing together 5 crews from Hungary, 4 from Poland and the Czech Republic, 3 from Russia and Belgium, one from Holland and from Germany. All Italians, of course, the Suzuki National Trophy crews which count on 6 members. Among the 21 competitors in the quad category, there are 6 foreigners, with 5 centaurs from the Czech Republic and one from Slovakia. Finally, those of motorcycles, 2 out of 10 come from the Czech Republic and Germany.
«This is a tough year in general - explains the race owner, Mauro Tavella - but we are still optimistic and we want to thank all the participants. It is very positive to see the many presences from Northern Europe, pilots who are loyal to the Italian Baja who renew their trust in us. Obviously, our race keeps its charm intact ». The program. Today the prologue of 9.91 kilometers starting from Ponterosso Sud and arriving in Carbona, thus remaining within the territory of San Vito al Tagliamento, on the river bed. Start for motorbikes and quads at 3.55 pm, cars at 4.55 pm.
Tomorrow the first stage with a single selective sector of almost 83 kilometers called 'Baja Italia "that the cars will have to complete three times (start 8.05, 11.50, 15.35), motorcycles and quads twice (start 10.03, 13.50). Sunday the grand finale Two more laps for cars (start at 8.05 and 11.50) and one for motorcycles (start 10.05).
Predictions. Russian Boris Gadasin (Nissan Pick-up, number 1) is the super favorite in the car category. Opponent to keep an eye on the 'tulip' Tonnie Van Deijne (Mitsubishi Pajero Did), the Czech Miroslav Zapletal (Mitsubishi L200) and the Paduan Giovanni Manfrinato (Renault Megane Proto). the unpredictability of the route. On the Italian front, the usual challenge between the reigning champions of Suzuki (Lorenzo Codecà) against rivals Mitsubishi (Riccardo Colombo), made more uncertain by Nissan ambitions (Andrea Luchini). is the Italian and European champion Nicola Dutto (Husqvarna Te450), while among the quads the Czech Josef Machacek should have the classic extra gear.
