07.09.2004 At the Walters Arena in South Wales, on a hot, dry AND very dusty day, Fiat Auto UK presented the three Fiat Stilo Abarths that will tackle the Wales Rally GB in less than two weeks time

With the Wales Rally GB now less than two weeks away, in glorious sunshine, Fiat Auto UK presented their brand new rally team to the assembled press at the Walters Arena in South Wales.

Less than a fortnight ago we offered an exclusive first glimpse of the rally Stilo Abarth Cup undergoing final preparations, now it was time for the new team to be put through its paces in public.

The Wales Rally GB, Britain's round of the ultra-competitive World Rally Championship, has been shifted forward this year to a late September date, and with the UK currently basking in an unexpected 'Indian' summer, the usual mud and rain associated with this rigorous event is likely to be absent, something that can only be of benefit to the front wheel drive Stilo Abarths.

Fiat Auto UK have great faith in the Stilo's abilities, and believe that this event, with its extremely demanding, high speed forest tracks, is ideally suited to the car's tough character.

The three identical Stilo Cup-specification cars will be piloted by three highly rated junior rally stars of the future, all who will be looking to stamp their mark in the Welsh forests.

Leader of the series at the halfway point with two wins and a second place, Chris Davies will represent the Stilo Cup UK runners in the Fiat Auto UK team.

The 19-year-old, in just his second year of rallying is a quiet, calm driver with a bright future ahead of him, and in his trademark style he was blasting guests around the venue with great aplomb.

Andrea Perego and Claudio Vischioni, favourites to claim the 2004 Italian Trofeo Stilo Abarth, will drive a second car, for them the presentation was their first ever visit to Wales.

The third Stilo will be driven by rising rally star Leon Pesticcio. The Welshman, who has been pedalling a Fiat Punto S1600 on the JWRC this year, is blisteringly quick and is widely acknowledged to be one of the genuine rising stars, a name to be remembered. At the Walters Arena he was tasting Stilo-power for only the second time, his first first being a just a few brief laps at a demonstration day earlier this summer.

With Leon, Chris and Andrea restricted to running on a secondary course, due to the Arena's inclusion in the rally, Stilo Cup UK regulars, Paul Tod and Shaun Woffinden, were also on hand to frighten the assemble press and TV crews, a task they carried out with vigour.

The whole day was very professionally organised in association with the Wales Rally GB organisers, and a very satisfied Fiat Auto UK, were keen to thank the venue, marshals and safety crews for their input.

Now, as this exciting project comes to fruition, in less than two weeks time, the Fiat Stilo Abarth will join the ranks of hugely illustrious predecessors, including the legendary triple title winning Fiat 131, as a factory rally contender, competing in the toughest of all arenas: the World Rally Championship.