Autosportfoto

Injured Bertelli to miss Portugal

Ford Fiesta RS driver Lorenzo Bertelli has pulled his entry from Vodafone Rally de Portugal (19 - 22 may) after he injured his left foot playing football yesterday (sunday).

The Italian was in Tuscany enjoying a kick-about with friends when he hit trouble. Bertelli's vice team co-ordinator Luciano Finzi was part of the game and told wrc.com what happened.

"It was just a bit of fun, not a serious game, but Lorenzo placed his foot in the wrong way. He heard a crack and then felt a big pain," Finzi explained.

"Lorenzo believes the tendon is damaged because in the past he did exactly the same thing to his other ankle. He will see the doctor today for a proper examination and to find out the treatment options."

Bertelli's participation in his home round of the championship, Rally Italia Sardegna in three weeks' time, also hangs in the balance.

"We have to wait to see what the doctors say," said Finzi. "His left foot is crucial for braking, so it's not really someting he can adapt his driving to cope with."

Zdroj: wrc.com