Positive result for the Repsol Classic Team in the Spanish Rally held on the roads in the central region last weekend, and one where all the three cars decorated in the Repsol colours managed to finish the race. The team used the two Renault Alpine 1600s in the regularity category and these were driven by Arias-Arias and Ortega-Alcon, whilst De Miguel-Arias drove a Fiat 124 Abarth in the competition category.
Different problems held the Alpines up during the whole of the regularity race. The gear selector got blocked on Miguel Arias´ car, and he ended up well down the classification. The driver repaired the fault in the middle of the race but by then he was at the back of the field, so he had the task of trying to fight back.
Ortega-Alcón in the second Alpine had similar luck. On the first few sections they were able to keep up with the leading group but the mileometer broke and this meant it was impossible to stay up with the leaders.
On the first 4 sections in the competition category De Miguel saw his accelerator cable work loose and so only half of the carburettors were working, this meant his car lacked power. This made him lose over 5 minutes on 4 specials. After the regrouping the Fiat 124 was repaired in the assistance park, he then fought back to finish in 8th position in the overall classification.
After this rally the Repsol Classic Team is down to race in the Mont Ventoux hillclimb in a fornuight`s time, one of the most prestigious mountain races in the world, and one where the number of participants is severely restricted. The Repsol Classic is the only Spanish team invited to take part. The representatives will be Miguel Arias (Alpine 1600-S) and Carlos De Miguel (Elva MK-7-BMW), both racing in the competition category.
