ERC: Round 10 preview

The 38th Rallye Antibes-Azur began today when Miguel Campos led the 57 teams over the start podium at 12.45hrs. It is the final co-efficient 20 rally in the European Championships and still the battle between Campos and Bruno Thiry is undecided. The Portuguese star has 1240 points against Thiry`s 1120 points, so after a long season with 4 wins to each driver, there is still everything at stake.

Thiry has to win and because of his previous World Championship experience over many of the stages, he must be favourite to do so. "We spent yesterday training and most of the stages are dry", said co-driver Jean-Marc Fortin. "About 65% of the stages are or have been part of the Monte Carlo Rally and this evening, when we have to drive Col de Bleine and Roquesteron in the dark, that will be really interesting."

This technically demanding rally is yet another challenge for Campos. He won the tricky Mille Milia and edged out Thiry on the ultra fast Raid Polski, so who is to say that he cannot rise to the occasion yet again.

Vaclav Pech, who was the victor in the Barum Rally, is here in his Ford Focus WRC and will be waiting in the wings to see if the top two make any mistakes and the local interest will centre on Philippe Mermet and his Peugeot 206 WRC.

One thing is certain, the three stages on the final day will provide a fitting climax to the series. They are Col de L'Able, Luceram and the famous Col de Turini.

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