ADVAN / MOTOR SPORTS [P-WRC 2007]

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HOME / MOTORSPORTS / P-WRC 2007 / Round 1

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Event summary

Date	February 8 - 11, 2007
Venue	Karlstad, Sweden
Weather	Fine
Surface	Snow and ice
Total distance	1749.39km
Total competitive distance	343.99km (SS1～SS20)

	>> Report　　>> Result　　>> What's P-WRC


	The curtain of the 2007 FIA Production Car World Rally Championship has risen. Last year the series opened at the legendary Monte Carlo where ADVAN ace Fumio Nutahara won the category. But Rally Monte Carlo was not included in the 2007 P-WRC calendar and the opening round of the season was held on a Swedish snow and ice surface instead. Of course, expectations for Nutahara's second successive win on the season opener were high. Contrary to the mild winter around the world, it has been getting colder and colder in Sweden and the low of the day went down to -21 degree centigrade on Sunday morning. Surface of stages varied from ice to snow and, given the relatively high average speed of the event, it was quite difficult conditions for rally crews. Nutahara, who scored three wins in last year's P-WRC and became the winningest driver of the category, paired up with Daniel Barritt from England again, looking for a championship. Local Scandinavians showed their pace from Leg 1. Among them, Kristian Sohlberg driving ADVAN shoed Subaru Impreza kept showing consistent performance through of the day and finished the first leg on top of the leader board. Meanwhile, Nutahara struggled to find the right setup and finished the day in tenth. During Leg 2, which consisted of seven Special Stages, contention in the top echelon heated up and every driver had to drive to the limit just to keep up. Leg 1 leader Sohlberg had to step down to second, but the difference from the top was just 6.9 seconds and was still hopeful of coming back on the final day of the rally. Nutahara fell back to eighth, with his car's setup being gradually improved. However, Sohlberg was forced to drop down the order when he was hit by transmission trouble in Leg 3. Nonetheless, with the repaired car, he had shown really aggressive driving to regain his position and eventually finished third to climb up to the last corner of the podium. Nutahara also endured to finish the rally and was rewarded with fifth in the category and four points.


		The ADVAN-PIAA Lancer was running on a difficult snow and ice surface. It is equipped with ADVAN A040S studded tires that are only for competition use. Since studded tires are prohibited on public roads in Japan and not for sale, these are supplied only for overseas competitors.

"There was not so much snow in Sweden, but the temperature turned really low, which created a true winter rally that you normally expect in a Scandinavian winter."
"We used ADVAN A040S tires and were satisfied with its traction and handling. Thanks to those tires, we didn't go off course nor lose too many studs even on the long stages. The tires were perfect in terms of durability."
"I feel somewhat relieved to secure four points in the opening event, given it was a really difficult high speed rally on the snow."
"As for the second round in Mexico, we are certainly looking to win because it is a gravel rally where we should be strong. We sincerely ask for your continued support this new season."


		Kristian Sohlberg played a part in hard battle for the lead. Including the Swedish driver, local Scandinavian drivers showed their pace as expected and the high performance of ADVAN rally tires supported his battle.

"For this event, we used ADVAN A040S studded tires which are for competition use only. The tire size was 110/650R16. Based on the data we collected when Nutahara entered the Swedish Rally in 2005 and data from tests in Sweden, we brought the tires that were most suitable specification for the event."
"Local Scandinavian drivers led the rally from the outset, followed by other non-Scandinavian drivers. The battle in the front between Sohlberg driving for Syms team, Hanninen and Alen was a really good show, as they were certainly driving right to the limit. At the same time, the fact that ADVAN tires could support Sohlberg's effort in the severe competition simply confirmed the performance level of our products."
"Nutahara struggled in the early stages, but he eventually got four points. It is quite significant to secure some points in such a difficult situation for him and this result is a good starter for the season."
"Our aim for the next round in Mexico is to get on the podium, and then we will be able to pay back our debt from last year's event! Our new gravel tires that were introduced in the middle of last season will be used in Mexico for the first time. We are looking forward to see how well these tires will perform."