Toyota privateer Lorenzo Bertelli has withdrawn his entry for this week’s Rally Sweden due to ‘unforeseen work commitments’.
Bertelli, the son of fashion designer Miuccia Prada, is a bit-part competitor in the World Rally Championship these days, regularly entering around one rally a year in a Rally1 machine.
For the third year in succession, the Italian had intended to compete in Sweden with co-driver Simone Scattolin but has had to change his plans.
“Regrettably Simone and I will not be participating in WRC Rally Sweden this week,” said Bertelli in a statement.
“Everything was set for what is always one of our favorite rallies of the season, but unforeseen work commitments have come up. Thank you to Toyota Gazoo Racing for working so hard in preparation of the event and apologies to all the fans who were eager to cheer us on through the snowy forests of Sweden.
“We hope to have the opportunity to compete at another event later in the season.”
Bertelli’s withdrawal slims the Rally1 entry to 11 in Sweden.
Toyota will still run four cars for its works drivers, with M-Sport Ford also running four and Hyundai three.
