The “Drago” does not give up, but fights as he always did in the special stages of many rallies he has won. The Venetian champion at the age of 82 is hospitalized since January 12 at the Sant’Orsola Hospital in Bologna in serious condition. Sandro Munari contracted pneumonia, nothing to do with the COVID-19 virus, because a bite while he was eating ended up in his respiratory tract, causing him a nasty infection that seemed to take him away.
His wife Flavia gave the news on the Facebook group called “Munari-Mannucci fan club” (official group) with a very heartfelt post: “I would like to share with you, who love Sandro, a great weight on my heart … Sandro has been hospitalized since yesterday “.
“It’s pretty serious and I can’t be with him even for a minute, and that kills me. I’ve never left him alone for at least two months now and I can’t think of him in pain and confusion, with no one to hold his hand and caress him the forehead. I ask you a prayer for him so that he can come home to us for a little while longer … “.
Sandro’s conditions seemed very serious and the world of rallying, but in general of all Motorsport, was particularly struck by Flavia’s words, so much so that there must have been many, very many prayers for the “Dragon” because the his condition would stabilize.
This is a first faint positive sign that feeds more than a few hopes. And it could not be otherwise because these days are the 50th anniversary of the legendary victory of Sandro Munari and Mauro Mannucci with the Lancia Fulvia HF at the 1972 Monte-Carlo Rally under the direction of Cesare Fiorio.
A historic success that allowed the Chivasso manufacturer to extend the life of the Fulvia by saving many jobs thanks to the following that that victory managed to arouse only in the world of racing. It is a feat that remains engraved in the history of racing.
The “Drago” was the first Italian to win the FIA Drivers’ Cup in 1977, as there was still no real world rally championship. The champion from Cavarzere conquered the title with the Lancia Stratos, bringing in triumph an all-tricolor combination.
Munari is considered one of the greatest rally drivers: his palmares include a European championship in 1973 and 2 Italian rally championships, as well as 7 races with World validity including the Monte-Carlo Rally dominated from 1975 to 1977 with three times the Lancia Stratos of the Lancia Alitalia team.
A meticulous, fast and eclectic driver, one cannot forget the victory at the 1972 Targa Florio, a test valid for the Marche World Championship with the Ferrari 312 PB shared with Arturo Merzario.
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