Hutomo wins opening rally

Hutomo wins opening rally

JAKARTA (JP): Hutomo Mandala Putra drove his Subaru Impreza to victory in the opening leg of the national rally championships series in Pekanbaru, Riau over the weekend.

Partnering with Anthony Sarwono, Hutomo set the pace from the onset of the two-day race, easing past the 1993 national champion Ledi Kurnadi, who teamed up with his brother Tedi.

"I was well prepared for this race. But luck also played a pivotal role in my victory," Hutomo, President Soeharto's youngest son said, after passing the finishing line at Hang Tuah stadium.

By contrast, bad luck steered national defending champion Tonny Hardianto to an early quit after his car crashed into a foothill in the sixth stage on Saturday. (amd)