This year´s rally started as a superb event with 104 cars competing. The first night was particularly challenging covering the Andratx – Capdella and Calvia – de sa Creu stages. The latter was especially difficult as the local authorities had just finished resurfacing the road and it was very slippery in places, causing a number of accidents.
Friday morning was punishing with very long driving distances rotating from Puerto Portals through Andratx, Estellencs, Esporles, Puigpunyent, col des Tords, col sa Creu and round again before heading for sa Calobra for lunch and the afternoon stages.
Saturday morning started well on the excellent Pollensa – Lluc stage followed by Coves – Campanet with its renowned ´jump´. Tragedy struck when car 64, a Renault 5 Turbo, left the road and struck a tree. The copilot died on impact. Fortunately the pilot managed to get out of the car before it was enveloped in flames.
The rescue fire truck and ambulance arrived promptly but nothing could have been done in the circumstances even if they were immediately at the scene.
For the record all safety, security and insurance requirements with the rally were fully complied with and, indeed, local Mallorca rallies actually exceed requirements in certain respects.
It was a very sad end to an otherwise outstanding Mallorca motorsport event.
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