Supported by Ford Racing in Europe and with control tyres from Pirelli, the FIA WRC Academy completed a pre-event test in Athikia ahead of the 58th Acropolis Rally on Thursday. Joining the WRC Academy competitors, Greek celebrity Katerina Laspa was thrilled by a passenger ride from one of the sport’s most talented young stars – Sweden’s Pontus Tidemand.
With an extensive TV career in her native Greece, Laspa has hosted shows such as Greek gameshow ‘BINGO’ as well as daily and weekly TV magazine shows on some of Greece’s most popular national channels. Besides these, Laspa has also been involved with charity work for ‘Make a Wish’, ‘Actionaid’ and ‘Smile of the Child.’
In addition to her impressive TV career, Laspa has also enjoyed time as a professional sportswoman. A national swimming champion, she was part of the national team in the Balkan and Mediterranean Games and has also participated in national beach volley ball games for charity.
A keen rally fan, this was Laspa’s first experience in a rally car and the Greek celebrity found Tidemand and the Ford Fiesta R2 much faster than she had expected. Unfortunately for Laspa, Tidemand chose to stick with regular co-driver Stig Rune Skjaermoen as the Scandinavian pairing began their debut assault on the 58th Acropolis Rally.
Katerina Laspa said:
“Pontus [Tidemand] was very very fast – a lot faster than I had expected. He was the perfect driver and I would love to have the chance to do it again next year. Thankfully he [Tidemand] knew where he was going and we made it back as I am not so sure that I would make a very good co-driver!”
Pontus Tidemand said:
“It was really good fun. The stage was very fast downhill and I think Katerina [Laspa] was a little surprised with the speed and movement in the car. But she wanted to go out for another run as soon as we finished the first one so I think she enjoyed it – I think I will stick with Stig Rune [Skjaermoen] for the rally though!”
Click here to watch the video of Laspa’s passenger ride with Pontus Tidemand.
Related posts:
- Swedish Champion Pontus Tidemand confirmed for WRC Academy
- FIA WRC Academy interview with Pontus Tidemand
- Pontus Tidemand wins East Rally Sweden and secures gold with Ford Fiesta S2000 in Swedish Championship
- Swedish champion signs up to WRC Academy
- Steve Rokland celebrates shootout victory with thrilling ride in Fiesta S2000
- FIA WRC Academy registrations open for Rally Acropolis 2012
- Alastair Fisher flies to victory in FIA WRC Academy
- Win a passenger ride with David Greer at tomorrow’s McGrady Insurance Stages Rally
- FIA WRC Academy crews set to tackle legendary Acropolis
- FIA WRC Academy – Interview with Chris Duplessis
