The 2009 edition of the motoring event will be staged from 19 to 22 March, a race valid for the second round of the Fia cup for cross country Bajas and for the Italian championship Tout terrain. Guest of honor was the vice-president of the FIA cross country Baja commission, the Irishman Ronan Morgan: his presence testifies to how the international federation takes the race in great consideration, despite the fact that the registrations, compared to the editions of a few years ago, have decreased. The unfavorable situation has also affected the world of motorsport competitions (see the withdrawal from the World Rally Championship of Subaru and Suzuki) and the Italian Baja is certainly not immune to this reasoning. Nevertheless, the forecasts for the event are good, certainly better than those drawn up for the 2005 edition, when the race was organized in Sardinia to overcome bureaucratic and road obstacles.
THE NEWS. During the presentation, some important innovations were illustrated regarding logistics and the route. And it was precisely on this last point that the attention of the other illustrious guest was concentrated, the Italian multiple champion Lorenzo Codecà (Suzuki), one of the favorites for the final victory.
THE REGISTRATIONS. A few days after the deadline for applications (Monday 9 March), we are heading towards 60 participations among cars, motorcycles and quads. In the car category the Italians are in the lead, with the adhesions of Paolo Abinie Valentino Bombelli (both on Mitsubishi); Andrea Luchini, Giacomo Trebbie Andrea Toro (on Nissan), the latter with Mauro Nadin from Pordenone in the role of navigator. Stefano Sabellico and Armando Accadia are in the running for the Suzuki trophy.
MOTORCYCLE AND QUAD. Motorcycles struggle to fill the list, as the shores of rivers are not easy to tackle on two wheels and, in general, the rugged course of the Baja makes life particularly hard for centaurs. The quads' fishing is much better, which can also count on Gabriele Di Doi from Pordenone (Suzuki Ltr)
Carlo Ragogna Italian Baja Press Office
