Absolute Champion Simone Tempestini Wins Dramatic Argeș Rally

Simone Tempestini of Napoca Rally Academy clinched a dramatic victory in the Argeș Rally, edging out fellow club driver Norbert Maior by just 0.5 seconds after 133 kilometers of special stages. Tempestini's total time for the competition was 01:13:38.9, securing his position as the provisional leader of the National Rally Championship after the first three stages.

With just one stage before the iconic Transfăgărășan power stage, Maior led by 9.5 seconds. However, Tempestini had an exceptional performance on the final and longest special stage of the race, outpacing Maior by 10 seconds and dramatically flipping the leaderboard in his favor.

"It was one of the most intense rallies I've experienced. We pushed to the limit on the Transfăgărășan and tried to recover every second. Winning by just half a second after such a long weekend gives you some interesting feelings," Tempestini said after the race.

On the other hand, Maior acknowledged the agonizing end, having lost victory in the final kilometers. "It's tough to lose a rally by 0.5 seconds after so many kilometers, especially after leading into the final stage. Of course, there is disappointment, but at the same time, I believe we offered a beautiful show and a duel that will stay in the fans' memories," Maior said.

This marks Tempestini's third victory in the Argeș Rally in the last four years and places him at the top of the championship standings after three stages. Next week, the 10-time national absolute champion heads to Sweden for the second stage of the European Rally Championship.