Christian Merli racing at the Subida al Fito/Spain

Christian Merli, who races for Scuderia Pintarally Motorsport, has made the long trip to Asturias/Spain, where the 54th Subida al Fito, the second round of the European hill climb championship, will take place near Oviedo on Sunday. The reigning European champion has most recently conducted a test at the Levico – Vetriolo hill climb in Italy.

Interview with Christian

“Many thanks to the organisers, who allowed me to test various options for the European championship races. The first round in Austria went better than expected, and we’re happy with the Nova Proto NP 01 Cosworth.
The Subida al Fito has a narrow, winding track, 5.350 km long. There will be three race heats, of which each driver’s fastest two are retained for the final classication. The track is very technical, with a series of fast bends and a chicane to reduce the speed. It has no hairpins, and the final section is in the forest, where there is often residual humidity. The event is very popular with Spanish fans. We’re obviously hoping for good weather; for now the forecast for the weekend is variable. As usual you also need a bit of luck. Who knows, it might start raining when it’s our turn. I like this event, and as always we’ll give our all.”

The FIA European Hill Climb Championship programme

26 April: Rechbergrennen (Austria), 10 May: Subida al Fito (Spain), 17 May: Rampa da Falperra (Portugal), 7 June: Ecce Homo (Czech Republic), 14 June: Glasbachrennen (Germany), 28 June: Coppa Paolino Teodori (Italy), 19 July: Limanowa (Poland), 16 August: Saint-Ursanne (Switzerland), 30 August: Ilirska Bistrica (Slovenia), 20 September: Buzetski dani (Croatia).

Translation by Ruth Scheithauer