Even on the last two special stages of the 51st Rallye Sanremo, Franz Wittmann and co-driver Bernhard Ettel never stopped fighting during the Intercontinental Rally Challenege's Italian round.

Over the 28 kilometres of SS8 they finished second among the Mitsubishi contingent, only 2.5 seconds behind Italian Fabio Gianfico; then on the final run, SS9, the two Austrians once more reached the fastest 'Mitsu-time,' in front of local heroes Gianfico and Simone Campedelli.

"It had already been a thrilling fight for seconds with the two Italians throughout the rally," said a content Wittmann. "Prior to the rally I had actually planned to simply try and cross the finishing line but then things got hot and I rode full attack.

"For Gianfico I was a mere 15 seconds too slow in the end, but that I actually left higher-rated Campedelli in my wake by almost one minute was a really enjoyable feat," he added.

Although he finished 19th in the IRC rankings at the wheel of his non-S2000-spec car, the Interwetten Racing Team driver was able to draw a very satisfying balance from the fact of having been the second-best Mitsubishi competitor racing upon the legendary asphalt roads twisting over the mountains of the Italian Riviera, and this on his first start at the classic Rallye Sanremo event.

"It was a totally great rally for me," Wittmann declared. "I've learned a lot and am very happy to have reached the finishing line after this orgy of turns. The competition – with 24 S2000 vehicles and any amount of 1600 cars and group N Mitsubishis – was overpowering.

"I'd like to thank Stohl-Racing for their commitment. The Mitsubishi Evo IX made barely any troubles and the result was the maximum of what one can get out of this car," the Austrian said.

The next assignment for Franz Wittmann and co-driver Bernhard Ettel within the IRC will be Rally of Scotland, from November 19th to 21st.