Rossi’s performance praised by WRC stars

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Valentino Rossi’s 12th place finish on Wales Rally GB has been applauded by WRC drivers Sebastien Loeb and Jari-Matti Latvala and Ford team principal Malcolm Wilson.

The Italian MotoGP star and his co-driver Carlo Cassina drove a Stobart-backed Ford Focus RS WRC in the event and showed steadily improving pace throughout the weekend.

After ending Friday’s first day of the competition in 24th position, the pair made up 12 places on Saturday and Sunday, eventually finishing three and a half minutes outside the top ten.

“I’m very happy, firstly to finish the rally and secondly to set some very good times on Sunday’s four stages,” said Rossi. “The car was fantastic and I was finding it easy to drive when we got a precise setting. My approach was to take the race step-by-step and try not to make any mistakes and this worked well. I think this rally was very difficult and finishing it makes me very happy indeed. It’s been fantastic working with the Stobart team; they are all very friendly and hopefully we will get a chance to work again together.”

Ford team boss Malcolm Wilson said: “There has been so much excitement with Valentino in the team and his presence has been a massive boost to the squad; his times on Sunday were remarkable.”

Jari-Matti Latvala thought Rossi’s careful approach to the rally has been the right one. “For me Valentino did a good job,” said the Finn. “I remember when he was here the first time, because it was my first World Rally in 2002, and I had a feeling that year that there was too much pressure for him to suddenly arrive and do a great performance.

Video from this rally

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First Gallardo LP560-4 Delivers in the U.S.

By Brian Potter
Article file under http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080718.001/
first-gallardo-lp560-4-delivers-in-the-us

Benny Caiola, Jr., noted Italian car enthusiast and collector, this week at his home outside of New York City was the first to take delivery of the Gallardo LP560-4 in the United States.



Caiola is no stranger to the Lamborghini marque with a personal collection of dozens of collector cars and Lamborghini's including Countach, Diablo, Espada, Jalpa and the legendary Miura. "Lamborghini was the first to garner my passion for automobiles," Caiola explained. "I've loved Lamborghinis my entire life and have owned nearly every model."

Mr. Caiola secured the claim to the first LP560-4 through a winning bid at the East Side House Settlement charity auction during the 2008 New York International Auto Show

The remaining LP560-4 arrive across all US Lamborghini dealers later this summer, for which there is a six month waiting list. The Gallardo has sold more than 7,100 units sold worldwide - Lamborghini's most successful model of all time.

Lamborghini Flown From Qatar To Britain For $45,000 Oil Change

Article file under http://jalopnik.com/399593/
lamborghini-flown-from-qatar-to-britain-for-45000-oil-change

A wealthy Arab, possibly a Sheik, sent his Lamborghini LP640 a whopping 6,500 miles from an airport in Qatar to Heathrow to have the car's oil changed. The total cost of the shipment was around $40,000, which doesn't even include the $7,000 for the oil change itself.



So what's the man on the street think? Well, apparently, exotic car owners are pleased to see that a fellow gentleman of means is taking care of his car, as are Lamborghini salesmen. The average Brit, at least the average Brit interviewed, is horrified by the carbon footprint created from shipping a car, especially a gas guzzler, that far for an oil change.

Joe Blow UK's reaction of outrage mimics a similar outpouring of detest from earlier this year. Remember, this is actually the second time this year, at least, that our English friends have been up-in-arms about car shipping. Remember how upset Sir Paul McCartney was when his Lexus LS600h hybrid was flown in from Japan earlier in the year.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Though we're sort of impressed by the guy's commitment to proper care and maintenance, just because you can afford to do something like this doesn't mean you should. Are there really no shops in the Middle East that can handle an oil change on the new Lamborghini? Seriously? This is the perfect opportunity for a wealthy Jalopnik reader, or a group of readers pooling money together to head on over and open one up right now. Think about it — we'd be rich just working on the Sultan of Bruneis' garage. (Hat tip to Daniel and goatrope!)

[Photo/Story: The Sun]