Handbrakes Issue 137 June 2010 Hairpins & your insight into the world of

Cover MARTIN BRADY: THE INTERVIEW inside Features Events Pritchard makes Clean sweep for this week: history in Epynt CJT in Italy Contents / Issue 137 04 News Welcome to H&H! • Mills leaves WRT Welcome to issue 137 of HANDBRAKES & • Prokop to star in HAIRPINS, your FREE weekly insight into • Loix signs with Skoda for the world of rallying! Another jam-packed issue for 06 Features you, dear readers, this week. With few 07 Team Beinke/Beinke shine again international championship events this month, this week we bring you interesting 08 Pritchard makes history in Epynt and entertaining news from national 09 Goodwood sees a meeting of icons championship around the world. 10 10 Questions: Theuns Joubert The biggest talking point this past 12 Martin Brady Interviewed, Pt 2 week has been the split between Phil Mills and Petter Solberg. With rumours 14 Events abounding as to who will replace the 15 Rally della Lanterna likeable Mills alongside Solberg, reasons 16 FST Nations Cup for his departure from the team have not 17 Donegal International Rally been forthcoming as yet. Will this affect 18 Idaho International Rally Solberg’s pace in future WRC events, bearing in mind that Solberg/Mills were 19 Goodwood Festival of Speed together for 11 years and 152 WRC starts... A sad moment to see this World Championship-winning pairing ending. Contact As always, I hope you enjoy this E-mail us [email protected] week’s exciting edition! Call us +27 83 452 6892 Yours in Rallying, Surf us http://wp.me/pkXc

To receive your FREE weekly Evan Rothman HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS eMagazine, or if you’d like to share this with a friend please send your e-mail address to [email protected]. HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS is not a SPAM e-mail: email addresses are added to the mailing list voluntarily. Editorial Information Editor Evan Rothman Photojournalist Eva Kovkova Contributors Dean Campbell, Liga Stirna, Christiam Mateus, Josefi ne Beinke, Tim Williams, RallyBuzz. All content copyrighted property of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, 2007- 10. 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. Have you got your HANS Device? As per MSA regulation SSR 163 (viii)

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News the world’s latest rally news NEWS Phil Mills leaves Petter Solberg WRT Loix, a fi ve-time winner in Ypres, had been due to contest the famous asphalt event in a Fabia S2000 run by the Phil Mills last week made the shocking annoucement that privateer Rene Georges Rally Sport operation but has, instead, he was leaving the Petter Solberg World Rally Team with transferred to the main works outfi t, where he will drive one of immediate effect. the facelift versions of the Fabia. Mills said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions Hrabanek said: “I would like to thank, especially I have ever had to make but I feel the time has come to now Skoda Belgium, which has done a lot for engagement of concentrate on other parts of life. We have competed on 152 Freddy Loix. It’s really positive and benefi cial from all point of WRC events together over the past 11 years and it has become views to have in the Škoda Fabia such a top class more of a way of life rather than a job. I have enjoyed every driver as Freddy Loix, who can give his experience.” single kilometre through the highs and lows that came along Loix will partner regular works pilots Juho and I am sure Petter will win many more events in the future Hanninen and Jan Kopecky on the event, Round Six of the given the right circumstances. I will miss the whole WRC scene Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC). Hanninen is currently very much and wish Petter and the team very great success in 11 points clear of Kopecky in the drivers’ classifi cation the future.” following his second victory of the season in Sardinia recently. Petter Solberg said: “Phil is leaving the team, and I Skoda drivers have won the last three rounds of the 12-rally feel really sad about it. I think it will be very diffi cult to fi nd a series. co-driver with his skills, to join me in my car again. We have - Credit: www.ircseries.com been together for so many years, in fact I’ve had him by my side through most of my career, so this is a tough break up for me. Looking back on what we have achieved together, I FX Rally School offers BRC training feel especially sorry as I was sure our next win would happen prize to competitors this season and I was hoping to have Phil by my side when it happens. He has been the one that has meant the most for Offi cial supplier to the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally me through my career. Our relationship must have been the Championship, Higgins’ Forest Experience Rally School, strongest relationship between driver and co-driver ever!” is offering a fantastic prize to competitors in the 2010 No news has been released as to who will fi ll the co- Championship comprising driver and co-driver training for two driver seat alongside Petter. registered crews. - Credit: Petter Solberg World Rally Team. The three day training programme is valued in excess of £8000 and the winners will be selected at the end of the Martin Prokop will start in the 2010 season from a shortlist drawn up throughout the six events. The three days will be spread throughout the winter Mad-Croc Rally Estonia next month months and based at the Higgins’ rally school near Carno in It has been announced that the 2009 Junior World Rally mid Wales. Champion and current second place overall position holder The Higgins brothers have amassed four British Rally in the S-WRC, Martin Prokop, will start in the Mad-Croc Rally Championship titles since Mark’s fi rst win in 1997, so are Estonia. ideally placed to identify future talent to nurture: “Most other Martin Prokop said: “Rally Estonia is the perfect sports accept that coaching is the way to improve your game preparation for Rally Finland. The stages are fantastic, fast and and it is no different in rallying.” said David Higgins. “This offer tricky. I was competing two years ago and I really enjoyed it. is our way of giving something back to the sport, but most The country is very nice and the people are very friendly, I am importantly it should help the winners to improve both driving really looking forward to start there. From the moment I was and co-driving skills ahead of the 2011 season.” informed that Rally Estonia will be held two weeks prior Finland As part of the Forest Experience Rally School’s it was clear to me to compete there. As far as the entry list is commitment as an offi cial supplier, a further buy-two-get- published now it will be a very good competition. For us the one-free deal is available on testing and one-to-one tuition to aim is to fi nd a good set up to be prepared for Finland as it will competitors registered in the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally be not easy to fi ght against the locals. I am sure we will have Championship. a lot of fun in Estonia.” - Credit: www.rallybrc.co.uk Martin Prokops car in Mad-Croc Rally Estonia will be . At the press conference of Mad- Daily news updates, photographs, Croc Rally Estonia, which took place last week in Peugeot’s agency in Tallinn, it was disclosed that the star-driver for the reports available from H&H ONLINE international South-Estonian rally on 16 - 18th of July, will To view the latest news from the fast-paced world of rallying, be the all-time best Estonian rally driver Markko Martin. In reader can join our Facebook fan page HERE, or sign-up for addition to Markko Martin there will also be top drivers from daily and weekly news streams from our website HERE, and if the Baltics, Russia, Scandinavia and all over the world. you are on twitter follow our editor HERE. Mad-Croc Rally Estonia is held on South-Estonian We look forward to your interactions, views and roads on 16 - 18th of July. It is the third round of Estonian comments online. Rally Championship and the only Estonian race that is on the FIA calender. - Credit: www.rallyestonia.ee.

Freddy Loix signs with Skoda for IRC Gecko Ypres Rally later this month Skoda Motorsport boss Michal Hrabanek has described Freddy Loix’s inclusion in the team’s factory line-up on the Geko Ypres Rally later this month as “really positive and benefi cial”. Features your insight into the world of rallying FEATURES

TEAM BEINKE/BEINKE SHINES AGAIN Last weekend’s Rally Gronegau in Germany was for Jurgen Beinke and his WRC Vodafone Rallye de Portugal FSTi ace co-driving daughter Josefi ne Corinn their fi rst home event in 2010. Josefi ne is part of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS’ “Ladies in Rallying” campaign, and is proving to be a star in the making.

Story: Evan Rothman making up the last loop of stages of Rally Pictures: Jos Bergman and Christian Gronegau, my father didn’t push his Kuhr (www.ckworks.de). on the wet and slippery roads. We fi nished second in Group CTC and Class Josefi ne relates her experience of Rally 23. The category win went to Mando van Gronegau EXCLUSIVELY to HANDBRAKES Baren and his Ford Escort BDA, with a & HAIRPINS: 20sec winning margin. “My father Jurgen managed to get the “We are very happy about this car ready just in time for the start of the great result, especially to fi nish our event. When the fi rst car took to the fi rst home event after such a disappointing stage of the rally, Team Beinke/Beink 2009 when we didn’t even fi nish the was confi dent of a strong result. fi rst stage. Even though we had some “Despite problems in the very problems in this rally, we fi nished and fi rst stage and during had fun rallying. SS2, we pushed on. “A light “The overall winner After these opening two of the rally was Rene stages, we looked at the rain shower Kuipers/Erwin Berkhof timesheets and were dampened in a Impreza happy to see we had N14, just 3,4sec unbelievably claimed ninth the roads, ahead of Jan Nijhof/ place overall and had a Henk-Jan Elbert (BMW lead of 4sec over our rival and making M3 E30) and Bas Mando van Baren in the the surface van Kamperdijk/Tim Group CTC. Unfortunately Rietveld making this an Here is a highlights clip of the Rallye Gronegau. To teammates Axel Beinke/ all-Dutch podium. The view this action in motion, please click the below slippery” YouTube video by rallytoday2008. Maik Bredenforder (Opel fi rst German crew home Ascona 400) were forced was Walter Gromoller/ to retire from the event after this fi rst Klaus Brokelmann ( 400) in loop of stages. their last event in this car. Their new “With a light rain shower rally machine will be an dampening the roads and making the 400, to be debuted at the Eifel Rally next surface slippery, teams were expected month. to be more cautious in the second loop “Our next event will hopefully of stages especially as we were all fi tted be the Rally Stemweder Berg this with dry rally tyres. We took the pace weekend. The same as the recent Rally a bit easier, and in doing so we lost our Sullinger Land, this event counts towards lead in our Class (CTC 23) with Mando the ADAC Rally Masters Championship. van Baren taking it from us. At the end This event can also be called our home of the SS6, we were only 11sec off the event, as the Rally HQ is only 30km from class leaders. our home. We will see if we can solve “Through the fi nal two stages the engine’s problems before the start!” FEATURES

PRITCHARD MAKES HISTORY IN EPYNT Jason Pritchard/Dai Roberts powering their way to 21-year-old Jason Pritchard became the fi rst victory. To view this action in motion, please click the person in the British Isles to win a tarmac rally below YouTube video by GeoffMayes. outright with the latest shape when the Builth Wells-resident powered his Production Class version to victory on last weekend’s Apex Motor Parts Welsh Marches Epynt Stages rally.

Story: Revolution Wheels / Geoff Mayes uncle won this very event twenty years Pictures: Geoff Mayes Media ago, so it is a result I’m very proud of. I’m annoyed that we had the penalty Pritchard, joined by Carmarthen resident for hitting the chicane as our in-car Dai Roberts for the event, was only camera shows that we made every effort contesting the rally to gain more seat possible to slow down, but we pushed Here is a highlights clip of the Welsh Marches Mini time in the North Road Garage, FCS hard in the afternoon and still managed Epynt Stages 2010. To view this action in motion, Lasermail and Total Impreza Magazine- to take the win. I have to say a big please click the below YouTube video by tbeynon7. backed car and yet won nine of the ten thanks to Dai for calling the notes as he special stages. It was not plain sailing did a top job.” though as the young pairing received This result means that a 30sec penalty for hitting a chicane. Pritchard, who only made the step-up This meant that the young talent had to to four-wheel drive rallying this season fi ght back over the fi nal four stages to has now won rallies on both gravel eventually clinch his fi rst ever tarmac and tarmac in the Subaru Impreza win by a mere 6sec. N2010. Jason, a double British R2 Rally “Wow! I can’t believe that Champion, currently lies third overall I have won a rally over Epynt,” said in the Dulux Trades MSA British Rally Pritchard. “I’ve been coming here for Championship as the Championship years, and have watched my Dad win heads to the Isle of Man for Round Four on a number of occasions and so to top in early July. the sheets myself is very special! My FEATURES

GOODWOOD SEES A MEETING OF ICONS Forty years of Ford motorsport success will be represented when old meets new at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Story: Staff Writer Focus RS500 features a 350PS upgraded Pictures: Newspress / Ford of Europe engine and hand-applied matt black foil fi nish, and is a timely reminder of Ford’s Leading the charge will be the victorious motorsport record. Ford Escort driven by Hannu Mikkola In May, the Focus WRC of and Gunnar Palm in the 1970 London– Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila Mexico rally. Starting from Wembley won Rally New Zealand providing the Stadium, where England won the 1966 company with its 75th win and making World Cup, the race fi nished 16,000 Ford the most successful manufacturer gruelling miles later in Mexico City, host in the history of FIA World Rally to the 1970 World Cup. Championship. Now, as the England soccer Gerard Quinn, Ford’s team seeks to repeat 1966, Ford will motorsport manager, said: “There is be celebrating the 40th anniversary of a direct customer benefi t that results the Escort’s triumph by taking on the from motorsport development helping to Festival’s challenging 1,16mi (1,85km) advance production car engineering. This hill climb. The Escorts’ success in 1970, was evident from the early days of the taking fi rst, third, fi fth, sixth and eighth Ford Escort and with the Focus WRC now places, led directly to Ford launching the in its fi nal season, it is appropriate that highly successful and iconic Ford Escort the lessons learnt have helped to create Mexico. a new icon for the road in the shape of Demonstrating the continued the Focus RS500.” link between production vehicles Both the Escort and Focus and motorsport cars will be the new, RS500 will be driven by guest drivers limited-edition Ford Focus RS500. With throughout the Goodwood Festival of a production run of just 500 examples Speed taking place on 02 - 04 July 2010. across Europe, the high performance FEATURES

10 QUICK QUESTIONS: THEUNS JOUBERT With the speed to rival the factory teams, with a balanced and experienced crew in charge of the Salom Volkswagen Polo S2000, Theuns Joubert and co-driver Carl PEskin have proved to be very quick indeed. HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS spoke to Theuns Joubert after the recent Rally of South Africa in Ermelo.

Story: Evan Rothman had a BIG surprise when we decided to Pictures: Motorpics stop to investigate the tyre 2km later to fi nd NO wheel, shock or driveshaft at the H&H: How was the Rally of South right rear of the car!” Africa for you? What happened in the event? H&H: After a disappointing Sasol TJ: “Challenging! We had a slow start Rally and now a second DNF in and decided to pick up the pace in SS3 Ermelo, what will you do to top the (Jessievale). We had a fast and clean privateers again in the next round? run until about 17km from the end of TJ: “It won’t be easy with this level of the stage. (Our halfway time of this competition, but we’ll focus on fi nishing 56km-long stage was 18min). We hit a the remaining events in a top eight big rock lying in the road on a right 6 or position. Bear in mind that we have 7, and I think this damaged the lower picked up our pace signifi cantly and with control arm on our Salom Volkswagen that comes the risk of damaging the car Polo S2000. and subsequent non-fi nishes.”

“About 13km from the end of stage we H&H: How is your car going? Are you had some hanging dust and the setting up to speed in it now? sun that affected our visibility, and we hit a huge boulder lying right on the TJ: “I must say that the guys at edge of the road with the right rear. I Volkswagen Racing are doing a great job said to Carl [Peskin, the co-driver] that with the preparation of the car, and it is we have a fl at tyre, but I would drive it defi nitely faster than it was last season. through the remainder of the stage... We I think the stage times defi nitely show FEATURES

that I’m getting used to the faster car, season? gap to the Class S2000 runners .... but we’ll get some more pace as the TJ: “It will be tough to single out one TJ: “If we take into account the pace in season progresses.” driver, but I would say Japie van Niekerk S2000 and the resulting damages to the and Evan Hutchison. Japie for pace and cars and the subsequent loss of time I H&H: You have a new co-driver for Evan for consistency.” don’t think that statement is correct. 2010, and this new partnership One must also keep in mind that the looks to be working very well. Are H&H: Now we are at the halfway change to S2000 for a crew is huge and you adjusting to each other’s style point of the South African Rally it takes some time to adapt to the all now? Championship, how do you see your wheel drive style and that would result TJ: “It defi nitely works VERY well and season panning out? in slower stage times as well.” our pace and stage times confi rms that. TJ: “We’ll have to fi nish the remainder I’m positive that we’ve adapted and of the events in the top eight, with the H&H: Who will win the next event? we’ve found our rhythm in the car; we emphasis on FINISH.” TJ: With the competition as fi erce as it have to convert this into points though!” is at the top, it will be easier to predict H&H: The gap between the factory what the rally commission’s next rule H&H: The speed in S2000 now is and privateer S2000 crews is getting change will be... All I can say is that incredible: miss a gear change and wider and wider… this is a thrilling season for the fans and you drop a place… TJ: “With more experience than most the competitors alike. See you all at the TJ: “With 18 entries we knew this would of the privateer crews, huge budgets Volkswagen Rally, where we’ll be sure to be the case! You have to stay focused and more superior works machinery get the answer to this question! and drive as hard as possible to keep and back-up, I wouldn’t expect anything your position, but with this comes the less... And, of course, the crucial possibility of DNFs.” question of who pays for the bill plays a major role.” H&H: Who do you see as your biggest rival for the rest of the 2010 H&H: Class A6 cars are closing the FEATURES

MARTIN BRADY: THE INTERVIEW, PT 2 An accomplished co-driver, Martin Brady is a proud Irishman and a regular HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS columnist. In this EXCLUSIVE fi nal installment of a two-part interview, read about his IRC ambitions, humorous moments and high-speed rally driving.

Story: Evan Rothman Places that as a tourist you would never Pictures: www.ircseries.com have a reason to be next or near a prime example being a party in a frat house H&H: A cool head is needed as a co- in a hick town in middle America in driver… 2007 pretending to be an Irish wedding MB: “Yes, absolutely. You are at times entertainer for hire with a group of Polish a sponge for pressure that is coming backing dancers. You just couldn’t make Martin Brady was in action in the recent IRC Rally Islas to you from all angles, and if you it up and you certainly couldn’t print it Canarias. To view this action in motion, please click the below YouTube video by Red Mist Productions. loose your composure it opens the either… Well, not for a few years yet!” odds to making mistakes and missing something vital. In the car, you are an H&H: Ever been off the notes, and offi ce manager, a some-time counsellor gotten lost? What other humorous and psychoanalyst to your driver. moments can you share with us? You are trying to be hospitable to all MB: “Luckily, and thankfully, no, not and displaying a confi dent attitude yet. It may have felt close at times on even if you feel like you are treading stages, but I have always managed to water in the middle of a battle just keep on track. Road sections can be for a class win, never mind an overall different though, and I have had one or championship. two hair raising moments of confusion “For me, its all part of it and but again thankfully nothing that I when we get it right its so rewarding haven’t gotten away with by the skin of that you realise how much you love it. my teeth. I wont get cocky though, as The simplest way to keep cool is not to you never know the page that’s waiting panic even when panicking, and check to catch you out. and treble check everything; remind “As for humorous moments, SS1 of the IRC Rally Islas Canarias saw a belting yourself that pressure is for tyres and well, there have been so many. Like the drive from Daniel Barry and Martin Brady. To view this don’t forget to breathe! “ marshal that fl ashed a rather alluring action in motion, please click the below YouTube video by Red Mist Productions. poster of a partially-clothed lady at H&H: What are your memorable us each time we passed him on the moments in rallying thus far? Galway Rally in 2005 to the marshal MB: “I have had plenty, even that performed an impossible star remembering back to my fi rst rally and jump dismount off a fence in Circuit of the buzz of being involved was so great. Ireland as we slid broadside toward his I have done almost 190 rallies now in treacherous viewing point. We were about 9 seasons so there have been so never going wide enough to put him many great memories. in any danger, but the comical way he “The wins are all so special abandoned ship had me laughing all the especially the fi rst one, but I can’t pick way to the fi nish boards. He reminded one abiding most memorable moment. me of an Olympic gymnast. Most of the “What I think I will value in humorous stories come from the after years to come is the very random places parties rather than on event, but again that I have visited as a result of rallying. they might not be fi t for print without FEATURES

changing the names to protect the Fords always have a special shine for me drive a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX guilty.” in particular the fi rst of the Works Group rally car to parc ferme one day, and it A Escort Cosworths. did give me an appreciation for just how H&H: Ever had a “this is going to “It was a dream come true for diffi cult it can be to drive a fully wound hurt” moment? me to sit in H930JHJ, the very fi rst built up, tightly sprung rally car. But again MB: “Quite a few, but thankfully only works Escort Cosworth, on the slowly this all goes back to my theory that one ever did actually hurt so I have been sideways demonstration in driver and co-driver should respect the blessed. I do get quite cowardly when 2009. The car is in full original works complexities of each other’s job to form I think it’s all about to go on its roof: spec and livery, and belongs to the the best partnership. I cower down and cover my eyes with Cathcart family. Richard [Cathcart] and “If I ever get fi lthy rich and the notes and hide from what’s about to I threw it down the wet bumpy stages buy a rally car, it will be for its aesthetic come. Great self-preservation if you do just as it was meant to be driven for as beauty and to park in the corner of a actually hit something, but if you have long as the car let us and this was the garage and admire!” judged it wrong and your driver has actual car that was on my bedroom walls saved your ass and its all still pointing in posters as a school boy, so every mile H&H: When not rallying, what do forwards now you have to unfurl yourself in the car was a boyhood dream I never you do? and look for the right line in the notes. imagined I would realise. MB: “Well, the day job is: I am a Police That certainly doesn’t make you look “Another Ford, this time the Offi cer in Dublin. I work in a Community calm, cool and composed anyway. For Focus, of Ray Breen was also a special Policing Unit, and deal with a particular every mile of road, there is two mile car for me. With him I was lucky enough area and the community groups and of ditch so you’re bound to visit one at to win rallies on gravel and tarmac in social projects in the area, as well as some point!” the car, but more so because it was the daily frontline policing and crime patrols. same car, E0 03 YRJ, that Marko Martin “I have two daughters whom I H&H: What is the fi rst rally car you and Beef Park took to that emphatic try to spend as much time as possible can remember? victory in Finland 2003.” with as they are growing up so fast and MB: “Ford Sierra. I was a massive fan when rallying is taken care of there is of all things Ford, starting with tractors, H&H: As an accomplished co-driver, not time for much else, but I always and when the Circuit of Ireland Rally have you ever had a moment when seem to fi nd the time to wile away hours came to my area in 1989 and the fi rst you thought you could have driven on the internet or watching TV series or Sunday Stage arrival control was at my the rally car quicker in a stage? Ever reading books. front gate, I was hooked. Especially by given rally driving a chance? “Tractors are still a big interest a Mr McRae and his younger son both MB: “No, never, and I can’t say I ever for me: the boyhood farmer never left driving Ford Sierras. My favourite car of will. Me with a rally car would be like the me completely, and it’s still the Fords the time. I became a total rally fanatic dog that chases the bus: if the dog ever that excite me the most. So, I would from that day on.” caught the bus, what would he do with be an anorak that collects tractor it? I would be the same I wouldn’t be magazines, literature and models. H&H: What is your favourite rally any use at driving it. I would be afraid Simple tastes, really!” car? What is your favourite rally car to move a rally car out of the way just in you’ve competed in? case I would even stall it and not be able MB: “Like the Oscar winner in the to live it down. acceptance speech, I love them all. But, “Joking aside though, I did Events the full event previews and reviews EVENTS

TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: Kimi Raikkonen; and, Sebastien Ogier. ONE-TWO FOR CITROEN JUNIOR TEAM IRC: RALLY DELLA LANTERNA 11 - 12 June 2010 In order to prepare for the second half of the FIA , which is held largely on asphalt, the Citroen Junior Team entered two C4 WRCs on the Rally della Lanterna – which took

Overall Classifi cation: place close to Genoa during the weekend. 01) S. Ogier/J. Ingrassi Citroen C4 WRC - 01h 32m 16,7s 02) K. Raikkonen/K. Lindstrom Citroen C4 WRC + 5,7s On the second loop of stages, 03) M. Ferrecchi/F. Florean Story: Staff Writer Ford Focus WRC + 01m 56,0s Pictures: Ciroen Press / Newspress both C4 WRCs were fi tted with soft 04) L. Pedersoli/M. Romano tyres. Kimi hung onto the lead, while Ford Focus WRC + 03m 27,8s Kimi Raikkonen and Kaj Lindstrom Sebastien climbed up to second; 17sec 05) V. Bruzzo/S. De Barbieri Peugeot 206 WRC + 05m 25,8s led for the majority of the rally, with off his teammate. 06) L. Gulfi /D. Roggerone Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia The rally went down to the Citroen Xsara WRC + 05m 34,4s clinching the victory in the fi nal stages. fi nal three stages. On the penultimate 07) A. Pissi/L. Constantini + 06m 10,6s For the fi rst time in its history, the stage, a small impact cost Kimi several 08) A. Mezzogori/R. Baldini Citroen Junior Team sealed a one-two. seconds, and Sebastien closed up to Renault Clio RS R3 + 07m 03,4s The weather made tyre choice within 2,4sec of him. As has been the 09) D. Storace/L. Celestini Renault Clio R3 + 07m 22,8s an extremely tricky proposition for case on several occasions recently, 10) P. Porro/P. Cargnellutti both teams. Although a storm had there was maximum suspense at the Ford Focus WRC + 07m 45,1s been predicted for the opening stages, stop control of the fi nal stage. In the Sebastien Ogier end, Ogier claimed The Rally della Lanterna was fast. To view this action chose hard tyres. “a fi rst Citroen victory by 5,7 in motion, please click the below YouTube video by “We’re not here to seconds. “It’s rivierarallynet. win, but instead Junior Team always great to win to test for the four a rally, but above all remaining asphalt one-two result” I’m pleased to have rounds on the WRC this year,” he been able to test a variety of different explained. “So this is a good opportunity things on the car,” the Frenchman said. to fi nd out how the tyres behave in “ I feel much better prepared now for unaccustomed conditions.” the remaining rounds of the World Rally Kimi Raikkonen, who is still Championship, starting with the Rally adjusting to the C4 WRC on asphalt, Bulgaria that will be new for everyone.” made a more conservative choice Kimi Raikkonen also drew a with soft tyres. Although these tyres positive conclusion from this valuable overheated on SS2, Kimi was leading the test event. “It was a good experience,” rally by the end of SS4 with Sebastien he said. “The car was fun to drive and losing nearly 30sec after struggling to this day will be very useful to me to get fi nd grip on the slippery asphalt. ready for the second part of the season.” EVENTS WRC RIDE PRIZE FOR FSTUK DRIVERS FSTUK: FST NATIONS CUP 5 June 2010 Just over two week ago Jonathan Cunningham (26) from Workington, Cumbria and navigator Richard Millener (26) also from Workington took part in the all new Fiesta SportTrophy (FST) Nations Cup competition at the Chatsworth Rally Show in Chesterfi eld. Cunningham then took part in the Circuit of Munster the following day...

Story: Richard Millener fi nal by a mere 0,5 of a second. Pictures: Richard Millener Evans would go on to take the win from Smith and take the prize drive, The rally show, which is run by however the event was a great way for championship sponsor Steve Perez and the current Fiesta SportChallenge series sponsored by his Kick Energy drinks leaders to relax and compete in some brand saw Cunningham and Millener fun driving away from the pressures compete in a four way competition to of the championship which kicks off win a prize drive in a Ford Focus World again in July at the Manx International Rally (WRC) car. The show is designed Rally where Cunningham and Millener to showcase the sport of rallying to both have a chance of taking the Fiesta new and old rally fans. SportChallenge 2010 title. Cunningham and Millener were The end of the Chatsworth to represent Ireland, (Cunningham event was not however the end of the originally from motorsport weekend Galway, Ireland) and for Cunningham as were up against the “Latvala he fl ew straight from fi erce competition of showed what Manchester to Ireland familiar FST crews where he was entered from the 2010 series he could do to compete on the of John Boyd/Fred Circuit of Munster rally Bell (representing with a car” on Sunday allowing him Scotland), Elfyn to continue his Junior Evans/Andrew Edwards (representing Irish Tarmac Championship campaign. Wales) and Damian Smith/Frazer A steady start for Cunningham Hutchinson (representing UK). in his Honda Civic, partnered by his Here is a highlights clip from Round Two of the FST UK Championship.To view this action in motion, please The day would fi rstly begin with brother Patrick saw Jonathan set third click the below YouTube video by FiestaSportTrophy. a once in a lifetime experience for all fastest time. The second stage would see the crews competing, a passenger ride improvement as he set second fastest with current World Rally star and BP time and closed in on second overall, Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Driver, Jari- however on the third stage disaster Matti Latvala. The Finnish ace showed struck when Cunningham slid wide all the FST upcoming crews just what on a square right corner. Whilst in the he could do with a car around the short process of getting the car back on the spectator stage and left all the crews in road, a fellow competitor smashed into awe of his speed and talent. Once the the side of the Honda causing signifi cant experience had worn off it was time for damage and causing Cunningham to lose the competition. a large amount of time. Although the The format of the day would young Irishman would claim a fi nish to see each of the crews complete the short the event it was a disappointing result stage three times, after which the total and makes his challenge to win the Irish stage times would be calculated and the Junior championship even harder but slowest driver would be eliminated. A Cunningham is still determined to fi ght further one stage would see the second for good results on all the remaining Here is a highlights clip from Round One of the FST UK Championship.To view this action in motion, please slowest driver knocked out, then a fi nal rounds and is determined not to give up click the below YouTube video by FiestaSportTrophy. one stage shootout would determine the the fi ght yet. winner of the Focus WRC prize drive. Driver Jonathan Cunningham The fi rst run of the stage saw said: “Saturday was a great day, getting Cunningham and Millener set a good a spin with a current WRC driver is a pace but sliding wide on some artifi cial once in a lifetime experience, something metal roads saw them hit a bale and lose I may never get to do again, so that precious rhythm, however with Boyd was a great start to the weekend. also getting caught out on the same The Nations Cup was great fun and corner and breaking a driveshaft it would competing away from the championship see Cunningham and Millener through pressures is always enjoyable. The to the second round shootout after the rally in Ireland on Sunday was very three initial runs had been completed. disappointing but I am determined to Unfortunately the semi-fi nal not let it get to me and I hope to come shootout would see the Workington back stronger on my next event at the pairing knocked out missing out on the Isle of Man in a few weeks time.” EVENTS

TOP LEFT TO RIGHT: Alastair Fisher; ; and, Robert Barrable. DONEGAL ATTRACTS BIG RALLY STARS ITRC: DONEGAL INTERNATIONAL RALLY 18 - 20 June 2010 An impressive 70,000 spectators are expected to attend this weekend’s Topaz Donegal International Rally, Round Four of the Citroen Irish Tarmac Rally Championship!

Story: Staff Writer WRC. Navigated by Paul Kiely, the crew Pictures: Jakob Ebrey Photography have endured a diffi cult season, having failed to score points on each of the The three-day event, which starts from opening three rounds. Letterkenny on Friday morning, has Meanwhile, Circuit of Ireland attracted a full capacity entry of more Rally winner Derek McGarrity starts the than 150 crews, including many of event at number three ahead of reigning the leading Citroen Irish Tarmac Rally British Rally Champion, Keith Cronin. Championship contenders. The Topaz Donegal After three rounds, a mere International Rally also marks round seven points separate the leading four four of the Citroen Racing Trophy. Martin championship drivers, with County McCormack leads the series and has Fermanagh’s Alastair Fisher topping already won an impressive €11k in prize the tables in his production category money. Robert Barrable is only four Mitsubishi Lancer. The 21-year-old driver points adrift, with Adrian McElhinney is seeded at number seven this weekend third. ahead of Craig Breen, who lies third in There is also a strong entry in the championship standings with his the Modifi ed Trophy, although current Ford Fiesta S2000. category leader, Mervyn Wedlock, has In the championship stakes, not entered the event. His absence will Fisher leads Dubliner Aaron MacHale give his rivals the perfect opportunity with a slender one point advantage. to play catch-up in the championship MacHale propelled himself into second stakes, with second placed Barry Meade in the series standings after claiming determined to close the 10 point gap. maximum points at round three. The And the battle among Ford Focus WRC pilot will be aiming to the Citroen Irish Tarmac Historic build on that success this weekend in a Championship competitors will be bid to overhaul Fisher. equally intense, with no less than 14 2010 Topaz Donegal International Rally - Top But MacHale will face some crews entered in the rally. Ten entrants: stiff opposition, Action starts 01) G. MacHale/B. Murphy (Ford Focus WRC) not least from his this Friday 02) T. McNulty/P. Kiely (Subaru Impreza WRC) “a full capacity 03) D. McGarrity/J. McKee (Subaru Impreza WRC) brother, Gareth, morning when 04) K. Cronin/B. McNulty (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X) who also has a of 150 crews and competitors 05) S. Devine/R. McDaid (Subaru Impreza WRC) Ford Focus WRC leave the 06) A. MacHale/E. O’Donnell (Ford Focus WRC) 07) A. Fisher/R. Kennedy (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) at his disposal. 70,000 spectators” Letterkenny 08) C. Breen/G. Roberts (Ford Fiesta S2000) Donegal was the start ramp, 09) D. O’Riordan/T. McDaid (Subaru Impreza WRC) scene of Gareth’s maiden Irish Tarmac located outside the An Grianan Theatre, 10) P.J. McDermott/F. Regan (Subaru Impreza WRC) Championship victory in 2009, and he at 10.15am. Crews will tackle 20 stages will be fi ghting for the spoils once again. throughout the course of the three day Drivers’ Standings: Gareth had led this year’s event, including a spectacular town 01) A. Fisher - 35 pts 02) A. MacHale - 34 pts championship until mechanical problems stage around Buncrana. 03) C. Breen - 30 pts abruptly halted his progress at round The winners are crowned at 04) G. MacHale - 28 pts three. His retirement dropped him to the Mount Errigal Hotel fi nish ramp on 05) D. McGarrity - 16 pts 06) A. Ring - 13 pts fourth in the Citroën ITRC standings, Sunday afternoon. More details can be 07) R. Barrable - 11 pts although he starts this weekend’s event found online at www.irishtarmac.com or 08) M. McCormack - 9 pts with number one on his doors. www.donegalinternationalrally.com. =09) S. Moffett - 8 pts =09) D. O’Riordan - 8 pts Tim McNulty will start at =09) B. Cumiskey - 8 pts number two with his Subaru Impreza EVENTS

COLE/DREW WIN JIM CLARK EXCITING SCHEDULE FOR IDAHO RALLY NATIONAL RALLY 28 - 29 May 2010 USRC: IDAHO INTERNATIONAL RALLY Damian Cole/Craig 15 - 17 July 2010 Drew took their Ford This July the Idaho Rally continues its tradition Focus WRC to a well- of creating an excellent racing environment and deserved 13,3sec this year adds to it with a unique opportunity for victory in the Jim Clark spectators to view the rally cars in side by side National Rally of 28 - 29 action. May.

www.unitedstatesrallychampionship.com stage rally to be held in the U.S. and Story: Staff Writer Canada. In addition, the Idaho Rally is Picture: Kumho Tyre UK / Newspress On Thursday 15 July the rally will the only stage rally event in the US and commence with a SuperSpecial Stage Canada to include a SuperSpecial Stage Matters could have been very different at Expo Idaho, and then follow up with with cars racing side-by-side. Rallydrift though, as the pair were lying in last stages on backcountry roads on Friday Inc, the promoter of the Idaho Rally, place at the end of the fi rst stage due and Saturday. The rally will conclude continues its tradition of innovation and to gear selection problems. Unable to with another SuperSpecial Stage at Expo providing high quality racing. change down with the Focus’ wheel- Idaho on Saturday night. The Idaho Rally is a National mounted paddleshift, Cole was initially A SuperSpecial Stage is a Auto Sport Association-sanctioned forced to negotiate even the tightest of special, relatively short, stage of a rally motorsports event that will be attracting chicanes in sixth gear. Happily, a close that is run in an arena setting or, in drivers and teams from across North inspection of the system revealed that this case, in a special-built race area America. The race is a host to the United he could make the changes with the in the parking lot of Expo Idaho. The States Rally Championship, Pacifi c car’s sequential lever instead. However, SuperSpecial stage at Idaho Rally 2010 Northwest Rally Championship, and the that meant using the clutch, which in will be two separate lanes and will be California Rally Series. By competing in turn required him to brake with his approximately 1,4mi long (2,24km). the Idaho Rally, teams accrue points for right foot – something he had never Cars will start side-by-side and then run theses championships and can collect before done with the Focus. Said Cole: through separate left out of region “I basically had to work out a whole new and right hand turns points for way of driving.” until the cross over “lots of side- Rally America He managed it though, and by bridge where they Regional the end of the fi rst leg he had worked will switch lanes and by-side racing Championship. his way up to 12th place – be it 55,9sec continue one more action in Idaho” The Idaho Rally behind the then leaders, Andy Fenwick/ lap and ultimately has become one Lee Tindall (Subaru Impreza WRC). By end the stage side-by-side (or nearly of the biggest rally events in the U.S. the following morning, Cole’s gearchange so). All rally events require a large appeared to be fully operational and The super special stage lap amount of volunteers in order to keep he took 4,2sec out of Fenwick on the times will be added to the team’s overall the competitors safe and the roads clear. fi rst stage. Despite the gremlins then stage times to determine the winner of This rally is no exception. Volunteers are returning, Cole managed to maintain his the rally. There will be seating for 3,000 needed to help along various stages of relentless climb back up the fi eld, taking spectators at the SuperSpecial Stage. the event. All volunteers will receive an the lead soon after the Subaru crew In addition to the super special offi cial rally hat, a goodie bag, a lunch retired with brake problems. stage there will be spectator areas on and admission to the banquet after the Commenting on the fi nale, Cole some of the other stages on Friday, rally. For more information regarding said: “It was very slippery on the last around Pine & Prairie and some unoffi cial being a volunteer for the rally go to two stages. I just had to push as hard as spectator areas on Saturday, near Idaho www.idahorally.com I could.” City & Centerville. Tickets to watch the rally racing Said Kumho’s European Motorsport This year the Idaho Rally will at the Super Special Stage at Expo Idaho Manager Steve Thompson, “We were total about 144 stage miles (230,4km) are $15 for adults (12 and over) with $4 impressed with the way Damian worked over two and a half days of racing. The off for senior, military and children 6 and around his rally-long gear problems mountain roads in Elmore County where over. to secure this excellent victory, which the rally has been held in 2008 and For more information and for furthers our impressive record on this 2009 have been deemed by rally teams advance tickets for the SuperSpecial great event – last year Kumho-shod cars as the best in North America and this Stage at Expo Idaho go to won both the National and International year the Idaho Rally is the longest dirt www.idahorally.com. categories.” EVENTS

GOODWOOD TAKES MOTORSPORT TO NEW EXTREMES AT 2010 FESTIVAL GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED 2010 2 - 4 July 2010 In just over three weeks time – from 2 - 4 July – the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed will be invaded by a number of the world’s greatest extreme motor sport stars performing amazing stunts behind the wheel or handlebars of their vehicles.

Story: Staff Writer Twelve-time World Trials Picture: Goodwood Festival of Speed Champion and Goodwood favourite Dougie Lampkin will be making a Cult American star of his own hugely- welcome return to the Festival, running popular “Gymkhana” videos, and now a amok throughout the beautiful West rising World Rally Champion driver, Ken Sussex parkland all weekend on his Block will be publicly demonstrating his 290cc Beta EVO T2 trials bike. wild 800bhp+ Ford Fiesta “Gymkhana The latest Dougie Lampkin vs 3” car for the fi rst time in Europe, as Goodwood video can be viewed and/or well as screaming around the tough downloaded from the Goodwood website Goodwood Forest Rally Stage in his and YouTube at www.goodwood.com/ Works Ford Focus RS WRC rally car. dougielampkin or http://www.youtube. On two wheels (occasionally) com/watch?v=5HXyqSI25ts. will be the Red Bull X-Fighters, arguably Top Irish stunt rider and recent the world’s most spectacular freestyle BMW Motorrad UK signing Mattie Griffi n motocross riders. will be making his Four riders Goodwood debut from this, the most “Block’s wild performing jaw- prestigious and 800bhp+ Ford dropping tricks on the challenging form of hillclimb to delight freestyle motocross, Fiesta” Festival-goers. will be in action on With such Saturday and Sunday at the Festival of great stars in action, the 2010 Festival Speed, performing around the Goodwood really does promise entertainment in the Cricket Pitch on a purpose-built course. ‘extreme.’

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