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A lot of public at the arrival of Pharaons Rally 2008 to celebrate the wins of David Casteu (motorcycle) and Christian Lavieille (car). The last stage of the Rally reserves important surprises: Graziani, third at the eve, breaks the engine and leaves at Aprilia of Alex Zanotti at the debut the third place of the podium, preceding the Dutch Frans Verhoeven. Among the cars, behind Christian Lavieille finish six Bowler Wilcats captained by Patrick Sireyjol/Paul Vidal.

The majestic place is on a level with the event: a natural terrace leaned out on the Giza Pyramids, a unique picture to the world to serve as frame to this splendid Total Pharaons 2008, concluded today not without unexpected events.

The last stage of the Egyptian rally has always been a dangerous unknown where in an instant the job of a week can fade away. This is what happened to Matteo Graziani, due to the failure of the engine at km N° 60 of the Special stage of today, totally long 342 km. At the top of the classification, instead, nothing is changed. David Casteu has been reached after 45 km by Frans Verhoeven and the two team mates, as often in this rally, have driven together for the remaining part of the stage. Stage win for the Dutch, who has been able to assure the second place, behind a satisfied David Casteu, at his first win in a race valid for World Championship. The French ace has been the real dominator of Pharaons 2008 and has always been able to conduct the race at high rhythms, showing a competitive maturity perhaps never had before, that makes him a serious candidate to the next Dakar.

The other leit motiv of the Rally organized by JVD International, the debut of two Italian brands with unusual motorcycles (Aprilia and TM, both in the 450 class), has been the most passionate challenge in the challenge. The winner has been Alex Zanotti with Aprilia, after a fight lasted the whole competition with the TM of Luca Manca. Not only a splendid class win for the rider coming from San Marino of Aprilia Giofil Team, but above all the third step of the podium of Pharaons – a thing absolutely unimaginable at the eve.

The tension for this last stage was immense, but Zanotti has had the precious help of his team mate Paolo Ceci, who has waited for him and “escorted” for all stage. In order to return the favour he is stopped before the finishing line, few more than two minutes, enough to make win the stage in the 450 class to Ceci.