12 July 2001: Miki Biasion, twice winner of the World Rally Championship and one of the most famous names in motorsport, has confirmed that he is coming to Ireland for the World Rally Masters event at Punchestown Racecourse on July 28. Biasion will be driving the new Fiat Punto Rally, a car he helped Fiat Auto Racing to develop, a car making its debut in this part of the world.

The attendance of a legendary figure such as Biasion in a brand-new car never seen outside mainland Europe will add enormously to the appeal of the inaugural International Masters event. Biasion won the WRC Drivers title in 1988 and 1989 during the historic and unprecedented string of six successive victories for the Lancia Delta. He has maintained close contacts with the sport since then, has competed in many events and now has given the benefits of his great experience to the Fiat Auto Racing team. This will be Biasion’s second visit to Ireland, but his first as a competitor.

The Punto Rally with its 1579cc.engine developing 215 bhp @ 9000rpm is intended to compete in 1600 Group A kit category. It is derived from the 130bhp Punto HGT and was developed by Fiat Auto Racing to be virtually ‘ready to race’ from the moment of purchase- all that is needed is for a preparation workshop to prepare the ride set up. This keeps the cost of preparation and competing at very affordable levels for the drivers, most of whom who will use these cars as a way of improving their skill and climbing the ladder of success.

This unique opportunity to see the car in action at Punchestown on 28th. July, being driven by one of the greatest rally drivers of all times, is a treat not to be missed. JG/TW