Monster Energy Monza Rally Show 2016
Words and Photos by Daniele Abbondanza
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The Monza Rally Show is one of the most important events taking place at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza and marks the end of the annual motorsport activities.
As they say “Finishing with a bang!”
Each year it attracts thousands of motorsport fans and thanks to the presence of Valentino Rossi it has became a do-not-miss appointment.
Many V.I.P. want to try this Rally/Show to demonstrate their skills at the wheel of some racing beast, some of them also on board of WRC cars, the ones that are part of the World Rally Championship, including the invited Dany Sordo, who had already participated in some previous editions.
Ten special stages, including 3 7 laps GP, plus the final challenge: the “MasterShow” with trophy dedicated to the late Marco Simoncelli, and where the winner is awarded by Marco’s father himself.
This year, winner of the Monza Rally Show is Valentino Rossi with his M Spert Ford Fiesta, which for a very little beats the rival Dany Sordo with his Official Hyundai i20 and Marco Bonanomi (former Audi factory driver in the WEC championship) with the WRC Citroen DS3, thus clinching his fifth win to add to his list.
The “Doctor” also won the MasterShow sharing the semi-final with his colleague on 2 wheels Tony Cairoli that a few meters from the finish line crashes into the Pit wall breaking the arm/axle shaft of his Citroen DS3, giving way to Valentino ready to battle with Sordo in the final stage.
During the final battle, one and a half lap from the finish and although it had a clear advantage, Sordo’s WRC breaks the engine, and so Valentino gets the lead leading four victories in this competition and 9 victories in total at this event – exactly like his NINE motorbike world titles. Is it a coincidence?
Valentino has confirmed that he will participate at the 2017 edition too, because he intends to beat the winning record held by another great driver, Dindo Capello.
So … we look forward to next year’s Rally Show.