The car park was deserted when we arrived but the sound of Maserati engine power and screeching tyres hadn't gone unnoticed by the nearby residents and we soon had an appreciative audience. I am happy to say that most drivers, including the lone Alfa, rose up to the challenge! Much to everyone's relief, a 'stiff neck' prevented yours truly from demonstrating how it should be done! Boris, however, was in fine fettle and in spite of incurring penalty points for 'demolishing' the first pole (his car was so low that having knocked the pole over it dragged itback to its upright position!), was fast enough to register the second quickest time of the day.

The test over, we proceeded to our next destination, the Panini Museum. Mike had given us a detailed and very easy to understand 'ROAD BOOK' to assist us on our way. Now in my wife's defence I must add that this was her first rally, but to make a mistake at the first turn was more than even I could take and in spite of the Ghibli's efficient air-conditioning system, the temperature inside the car rose dramatically. It must have been the same for the poor chap in the green Ghibli who followed us! Having realised our mistake we needed to turn around, but as always happens in such cases, do you think we could find a safe place to turn around on this winding road, no way!