Mitsubishi’s Raul Orlandini had to settle for third during last weekend’s Rally Jauja, second round of the 2008 Peruvian National Rally Championship, after puncturing a tyre on the last stage of the rally while leading it by 2.1 seconds over closest rival Nicolas Fuchs.

The first leg of the event started on Saturday with competitors having to cover six special stages, 58kms in total, of fast and compact gravel roads at an altitude of 3,249mts above sea level.

Orlandini’s orange-coloured EVO IX blast off through the mountains of the Mantaro River Valley, setting fastest times on the first two stages of the day. However, a brief off-road excursion made the 22-year-old lose valuable seconds, handing the lead to Fuchs, who also lost time on the last stage of the day with brake problems.

The difference between both drivers was of only 0.2 seconds after leg one, with Fuchs holding the advantage.

On Sunday morning, both drivers were ready to fight the last four stages of the weekend (a total of 53.80kms) at maximum speed and taking all risks.

Orlandini retook the lead on the first stage, but lost it to Fuchs on the second one because of drive shaft problems. After the midday service, it was Raul who took the lead again, 2.1 seconds over Fuchs, going into the last test of the rally.

It was not Orlandini’s day though, as he suffered a tyre puncture after clipping a concrete barrier 5kms into the last stage; he had to settle for third behind driver Ernesto Jochamowitz.

“In rallying, it is not only about going as fast as you can. Driving has to be hand in hand with keeping your concentration which translates to not making too many mistakes,” said Raul. “I made too many of them on day one and then the car was undriveable this morning after losing one rear drive shaft. Finally after the puncture, I just had to accept third place like a gentleman.”

Orlandini is now second in the championship fight, only two points behind Fuchs who leads it with a total of 18 points after Rally Jauja.

The next round of the series takes competitors back to the province of Huancayo, 17-18 May; an event organised by the Automobile Club of Huancayo.

For more information: Contact Susan Bradley at +511 9942 777 55 or via email at rallyworld@mac.com