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IIssuessue 260260 • 2288 NNovemberovember • hhttp://wp.me/pkXcttp://wp.me/pkXc TThehe wworld’sorld’s onlyonly ffreeree ddedicatededicated rallyrally eeMagazineMagazine - eeveryvery wweek!eek!

IIssuessue 226060 • 2288 NNovemberovember 22012012 EEDITORIALDITORIAL IINFORMATIONNFORMATION

Editor Evan Rothman

CCONTACTONTACT INFORMATIONINFORMATION Favourite rally car? Audi Quattro S2 E-mail us [email protected] Current favourite WRC driver? Mads Østberg Call us +27 83 452 6892 Favourite WRC rally? WRC Rallye Deutschland Surf us http://wp.me/pkXc Favourite rally? Total Rally, South Africa

To receive your FREE weekly HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS Tweets too much about , loves nothing eMagazine, or if you’d like to share this with a friend please more than spectating on a forest rally, and has send your e-mail address to [email protected]. aspirations of being the world’s greatest rally HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS is not a SPAM e-mail: email journalist. He’s also oftentimes seen with a addresses are added to the mailing list voluntarily. camera in his one hand and his mobile phone ringing in his pocket at the most inopportune AADMINISTRATIVEDMINISTRATIVE IINFORMATIONNFORMATION times. Contributors Liga Stirna, Patrick Vermaak, Motorpics, Newspress.

All content copyrighted property of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, 2007-12. This publication is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the editor. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information from sources and given to readers, the editor cannot accept responsibility for any inconvenience or damage that may arise therefrom. Photojournalist Eva Kovkova

FOLLOW US! Favourite rally car? Citroën C4 WRC Current favourite WRC driver? Mads Østberg Favourite WRC rally? Vodafone Favourite rally? White Nights Rally, Lahdenpohja, Russia

Likes to walk in the Swedish snow forests or on Portuguese dusty hills, likes to freeze, to get wet in the rain or to melt from the heat during photo hunts for fl ying cars and smiling faces. Also is knowing as a press ice bear working for South Africa :) OOPENINGPENING SSHOTHOT CCraigraig BBreenreen aandnd PPaulaul NNagleagle ttookook ttoo tthehe wweekend’seekend’s RRallyally dduu VVar.ar. BBringingringing ttheirheir 22012012 sseasoneason ttoo a ccloselose oonn tthishis eeventvent fforor tthehe SSaintelocainteloc tteam,eam, BBreenreen ppoweredowered hhisis PPeugeoteugeot 220707 SS20002000 ttoo tthirdhird ppositionosition overall.overall. PPicture:icture: TTrevorrevor MMcGrath/RallyPrint.comcGrath/RallyPrint.com START RAMP 07 Elfyn Evans chats on his 2012 CONTENTS SERVICE PARK 10 Goodbye IRC, Hello ERC

PARC FERME 13 Sponsorship musical chairs 14 Meet the new Qatar M-Sport World Rally Team START RAMP FFIVEIVE QUUEESTITIONS TO A CHHAMP:AMP: EELFYNLFYN EEVANSVANS AANSWERSNSWERS

Words: Handbrakes & Hairpins outstanding season in the six-round series and racked up contest all rounds of the 2013 FIA Pictures: M-Sport four back-to-back victories at the , Rally in a Ford Fiesta R2, with a recce car provided on long-haul Finland, Rally Deutschland and Rallye de France-Alsace. events. Or, alternatively, the Welshman can decide to contest The recent Rally de Espana drew a curtain over Evans’ string of impressive results landed the driver the fi ve rounds of the 2013 series, stepping up to a Ford Fiesta another competitive season in the Pirelli-backed WRC series title with one round remaining, but he still went onto S2000. Academy, and it ended on a high for Welshman Elfyn claim third at the season-fi nale in Spain. We caught up with 23-year-old Evans at the end of Evans, who was crowned the 2012 champion. As a result of being crowned WRC Academy a busy motorsport season as he relaxed in his native Wales. Evans, a former Pirelli UK Star Driver, had an Champion, Evans will now be given the opportunity to Q: Hi Elfyn, congratulations on being crowned the new from the year before helped a lot and it was great to take the EE: “Yes, absolutely. We had only planned to do the fi rst WRC Academy Champion! How would you sum up your win.” two rounds for seat time, but things started to go well and season? we ended up winning the R2 class on all the fi ve rounds EE: “Thank you. It’s been a fantastic year both in the Q: What were your best and worst moments from this we entered. It certainly kept us match fi t for the Academy WRC Academy and the British Rally Championship, it’s an year? rounds and it’s always benefi cial to get extra seat-time.” incredible feeling and I hope the experiences from both EE: “The best moment has to be clinching the title in France championships will help me progress further in 2013.” with one round remaining and our worst was when we went Q: And fi nally, have you decided what are your plans off the road on the season’s opening round in Portugal.” are for 2013? Q: What was your favourite round of the WRC EE: “No plans have yet been decided for 2013, but we are Academy and why? Q: You were also competing in this year’s Pirelli- working hard to make sure we have an exciting programme EE: “Finland, it was my second time competing there, but I supported British Rally Championship in a Fiesta R2. in place.” H&H found it diffi cult to fi nd a good rhythm there in 2011. It was Do you think this experience helped your success in a great feeling to go back this year, I found the experience the WRC Academy? SERVICE PARK NNEWEW LLOOKOOK TTOO RRALLYINGALLYING IINN EEUROPEUROPE FFOROR 22013:013: GGOODBYEOODBYE IIRC,RC, HHELLOELLO EERCRC

Words: Liga Stirna series might feature fewer rounds one the calendar, but it round and fi rst gravel/snow event was announced. In this Picture: Aigars Tidmanis, Go4Speed; IRC Series has more consistency and new additions to the rallying world press conference, the IRC Commercial Director Mr. Antonello to enjoy. For these 13 rallies, some “big name” events have Ledoletti spoke about the visions of revised ERC. Just two weeks ago the rallying world waved good- been lost and some new countries have appeared on the bye to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), list: we here in Baltics are especially proud of the inclusion Q: How much of the IRC philosophy will you keep in and immediately plans for new European Rally of Rally Liepāja-Ventspils in 2013 ERC. Considering the high ERC? Championship (ERC) were started. Organizers of the level of rally organization in Latvia, we can promise a great AL: “Basically we’ll keep all our philosophy and more. The IRC, Eurosport Events, will be responsible for the and safe event! same passion, with more and more passion. We’ll keep revised and renewed ERC for next 10 years, and they Before the fi nal ERC calendar was fi nalised, a press our experience in IRC, our business model to realize it in promise a brand new approach to this Championship. conference was held in Riga where the inclusion of the the fantastic European championship. We want to say that Compared to previous ERC, the new-look 2013 Latvian Rally Liepāja-Ventspils in ERC as the season’s second this won’t be a switch [from IRC to ERC], but this will be real takeover. We are sure that it will be good for teams, Q: Will this new Championship be driver-dedicated? million houses in Europe and everything looks fi ne for for drivers, for everybody, as in the end it will be a true AL: “Our intention is to follow the same mentality of the IRC rallying with this new deal with the FIA. Last year we had European Rally Championship title. We will transfer all our and also to make the ERC open for new and young drivers, more than 100 million of viewers all around the world.” experience from the IRC to the ERC.” but also for the stars that wants to participate. We’d like to have the same open-minded approach to receive all the Q: Are you planning to continue to broadcast live Q: Taking in account that there will be just 13 events teams and drivers, and why not to make new stars as we’ve stages? in ERC, you will create fi erce rivalry between rallies. done until now for the future. ERC will be a championship for AL: “Yes, we’re planning to do that. But unfortunately, not How are you going to judge them, as Rally Liepāja teams and drivers, not car manufacturers.” from the Latvian rally. As you can understand, this is a very – Ventspils never will be like Rally Monte Carlo, for huge involvement from us with a lot of matters, fi rst of all, example? Q: What about cars and classes? fi nancial, so for the moment just some stages from some AL: “A lot of elements will be taken in consideration: local AL: “We are open to all classes as out interest is to have rallies will be live.” H&H promoter, support from local authorities, support from more participants. We want to be open for teams, drivers, sponsors, and government. And, last but not least, the everyone. Of course there are sporting regulations, but we beauty of the country. Don’t forget that rally is also about will try to maintain this with he FIA.” landscape: in TV that looks spectacular. For Latvia, of course, we have fi ngers crossed for snow, then this rally will be even Q: Are you satisfi ed with TV viewers’ interest for rally? more spectacular.” AL: “The audience of the IRC has reached more than 120 PARC FERME SSOUTHOUTH AAFRICANFRICAN RRALLYING:ALLYING: SSPONSORSHIPPONSORSHIP MMUSICALUSICAL CCHAIRSHAIRS

Words: Handbrakes & Hairpins motorsport, but that is a subject for an entirely different Williams for 2013? As this article is published, there are no Picture: Evan Rothman article. BP’s exit is, of course, attributable in part to the sponsors for this crew… With a hard-working support staff, global economic woes their decision to end motorsport rally fans hope along with Handbrakes & Hairpins that this The second biggest story of the 2012 South African sponsorship is one that may be far beyond my pay grade. will soon be remedied. It would be a double blow to lose Rally Championship is the news of fuel and lubricant Bearing that acronym of the moment R.O.I. (Return great ambassadors for the sport in such manner. supplier BP withdrawing from motorsport effective on Investment) in mind, and quite clearly producing fi ne In fact, this sport has experienced a downturn immediately, and with that the conclusion of their results in 2011 and 2012, Team Sasol is no more. Sasol Oil in fi nancial support not only at the top level in the World title sponsorship of the Volkswagen Rally Team. The joined forces with the Volkswagen Rally Team, ditching the Rally Championship but in this series too and many like biggest news story of the season is that Sasol has highly successful outfi t of Cronje, Williams and their hard- it the world over. Hemorrhaging for the past two seasons signed a multi-year deal to sponsor the Volkswagen working support crews. With a season record that reads like without a title sponsor, a number a events running without Rally Team and cut their support of the Championship- a Hollywood sports movie script of fi ve victories and eight a sponsor (but supported by companies already involved winning Team Sasol drivers of Mark Cronje and Jon podium fi nishes between the two drivers, the Volkswagen in the sport), how much longer will the South African Rally Williams. Rally Team will need to pull a trick out of their magic bag Championship be able to sustain this pace? It is a truly BP’s exit from rallying was not entirely unexpected, to follow in those winning steps. It would reason that Team fantastic and action-packed series, it ticks all the right boxes but the end of their motorsport efforts in the country came Sasol met, and exceeded their contractual objectives in in terms of spectator numbers, manufacturer interest and as a surprise to all. International and local motorsport loses fi ne style, while the Volkswagen Rally Team played second willing competitors, but the present economic situation most another valued contributor, another supporter, and it spells fi ddle to the fast Ford Fiesta S2000s. The Volkswagen Rally certainly forces cracks to appear in the sport’s façade. How yet another end for racers’ dreams. Team did dominate this series only a few seasons ago; have other series’ fought back, and reignited their rallies? It seems that rallying was not providing BP with perhaps the new colour for their new Polo S2000s will be the Change the rules and Class formats to facilitate cost- the expected return on their investment, and the fuel added ingredient to take them to the top step in the overall cutting? Next season might see far fewer crews at the fi rst giant decided to reinvest their marketing budget outside Championship honours. event’s start ramp if the rumours from crews retiring and of motorsport spheres. This journalist is of the opinion Where does that now leave 2012 Champions Mark withdrawing are realized. H&H that all fuel companies should be involved at some level of Cronje/Robin Houghton and team-mates Jon and Doug QQATARATAR MM-SPORT-SPORT WWRT:RT: MM-SPORT’S-SPORT’S NNEWEW HOPEHOPE

Words: Handbrakes & Hairpins Fiesta RS WRCs next season, with Al-Attiyah bringing the forward to working together in the future. Since the 2012 Pictures: Citroën Racing/WorldRallyPics momentum from his season behind the Citroën DS3 WRC in season came to a close, work has not stopped and the entire 2012’s events. With an extensive insight into the workings of team is working around the clock to ensure we deliver a Ever since the Intercontinental Rally Challenge’s (IRC) the Ford Fiesta range from M-Sport, with Al-Attiyah winning strong package for next year.” , where Malcolm Wilson (Principal at the Middle Eastern Rally Championship in the Fiesta S2000 Nasser Al-Attiyah commented: “We are looking M-Sport) met with Nasser Al-Attiyah and his sponsors and claiming victory in that series’ fi nale last recently behind forward to building on our strong relationship with M-Sport Qatar, rumours have fi nally been put to rest. M-Sport the wheel of the Fiesta RRC, Al-Attiyah is poised for his best and working with them in 2013. I have a good knowledge of this week announced a new partnership with Qatar to opportunity at the top level thus far. the car having driven the [Ford] Fiesta S2000 to its debut form the Qatar M-Sport World Rally Team for the 2013 M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, win in 2010 and now looking to secure my eighth title in the FIA World Rally Championship. said: “We are delighted to welcome such a prestigious Middle East with the [Ford] Fiesta RRC. I am really looking Al-Attiyah will compete in seven rounds of the partner as Qatar on board for 2013. The partnership with forward to getting behind the wheel of the [Ford] Fiesta RS 2013 WRC in the Qatar-liviried Ford Fiesta RS WRC with his Nasser [Al-Attiyah] and the Qatari State will enable M-Sport WRC and contesting as many WRC events as I can around co-driver Giovanni Bernacchinni. This team will fi eld three to continue at the pinnacle of the sport and we are looking my other motorsport commitments.” Leading this new-for-2013 team will be Norwegian under his belt, Ostberg has regularly challenged his more know the team so from the technical side of things, I think ace... Mads Ostberg. The 25-year-old and his co-driver Jonas experienced rivals. Harnessing a working knowledge of the we will be in a really good position as there won’t be too Andersson were signed to the M-Sport team to contest all 13 team and car, the ambitious youngster is poised to produce much of a change to get used to. WRC events in 2013. another successful season behind the wheel of the Fiesta RS “But from the other side of things, it will still be Following a sensational performance this season, WRC and will be looking to prove his potential as one of the a big challenge – albeit a big step in the right direction! Ostberg was a strong candidate to help guide the team to Championship’s most sought-after talents. This season has been really good for us, and I hope we can success in 2013. Securing a top-fi ve fi nish on each of the 11 M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, continue that into 2013. I am really looking forward to next rounds he contested in 2012, the Norwegian secured fourth said: “Mads’ performance this year has been very impressive. season, and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel and place overall in the Drivers’ Championship – just 5 points He has always had the speed, but his progression on Tarmac start testing with the team [in the next couple of weeks]. adrift of ’s Jari-Matti Latvala in third. and the maturity he has demonstrated this season proves “This is a great opportunity for me. I have had Despite his relatively young age, Ostberg has more that he is ready to make the next step in his career and many dreams in my career, but achieving this drive is than 20 years of experience in motorsport and has been a made him the ideal candidate to join the team in 2013. He defi nitely one of the biggest and I am certainly going to try regular on the world stage since 2006. Having piloted the has an old head on young shoulders and I am confi dent that and make the most of it.” Ford Fiesta RS WRC since its debut in 2011 – contributing we will see some strong performances from him as he rises And that leaves us guessing who will fi ll the third to a clean sweep of the podium for the Fiesta on its to the challenge next year.” seat... Rumour has it that Al-Attiyah would like Thierry maiden outing in Sweden – the Norwegian is well versed Mads Ostberg said: “I am really happy to have been Neuville to join him in the team, but M-Sport’s Ott Tanak has in how to get the maximum from the car and has already chosen to join the team and continue working closely with proven a worthy competitors on the stages and will no doubt demonstrated his ability on snow, gravel and asphalt. M-Sport next season. We’ve been working with the car [Ford be a rally winner within two or three seasons. Mr Wilson has With 15 stage wins and his fi rst WRC victory Fiesta RS WRC] for two years now – we know the car and we much to consider over the coming weeks... H&H CLOSINGCLOSING SHOTSHOT Claiming third position at the recent Garden Route Rally, the fi nale of the 2012 South African Rally Championship, was all that was needed for Team Total’s Craig Trott to secure his eighth National Class title. He and co-driver Robbie Coetzee won the Classs S1600 Championship, with Coetzee adding the Two Wheel Drive Co-Drivers’ Championship to his tally too. Picture: Motorpics