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Team Total Novikov joins Barrable plans Pitchford wins revealed, P7 Stobart, P11 IRC action, P10 award, P5 DDOCUMENTATIONOCUMENTATION Editorial Information 04 News Editor Evan Rothman 04 Start Ramp - News Shorts 04 Pitchford wins media award 05 Fan Foto Framed

06 Features Photojournalist Eva Kovkova 06 MINI unveils S2000 and WRC schedule 07 Team Total reveals plans for 2011 08 Taylor and Smart retire from Sunseeker 09 Solberg ready for Mexico Contributors RallyBuzz, Motorpics, Newspress. 09 BRC Rallye Sunseeker report by H&H 10 Hanson still in charge 10 Barrable plans for IRC campaign Novikov joins Stobart for Mexico All content copyrighted property of 11 HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, 2007- 11. This publication is fully protected 12 Events by copyright and nothing may be 12 BRC Rallye Sunseeker review reprinted in whole or in part without 14 RA Rally in the 100 Acre Wood review written permission from the editor. 16 WRC preview 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. Contact E-mail us [email protected] Call us +27 83 452 6892 Surf us http://wp.me/pkXc

To receive your FREE weekly Welcome to H&H! HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS Welcome to issue 172 of HANDBRAKES & eMagazine, or if you’d like to share this HAIRPINS, your FREE weekly insight into with a friend please send your e-mail the world of rallying. address to [email protected]. As always, I hope you enjoy HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS is not this week’s exciting edition packed with a SPAM e-mail: email addresses are news on ’s growing CV, news added to the mailing list voluntarily. from the USA, the UK and of course the rallying mecca that is Europe. To top it all, as crews ready for the respective South African Off-Road and Rally Championships, we bring you a big read once more this week.

Yours in Rallying,

Evan Rothman

Bringing you the latest international rally news, extensive event previews and reviews, in- depth feature and technical articles, award- winning photography and insightful columnists, HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS is distributed to your Handbrakes e-mail inbox each week for FREE in the form of a high-quality 2MB .PDF file.

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Telephone +27 11 6708400 E-mail: [email protected] Website: ats-motorsport.co.za

SSTARTTART RAMPRAMP Team & Event News Videos Fan Foto Framed 45 ENTRIES KOPECKY HUNT PLUS FOR WINS CZECH FINALISES CANARIAS MEDIA PRIZE 2011 IRC

Words: Staff Writer Words: Staff Writer Words: Staff Writer

Interest in Rally Islas Canarias El Jan Kopecký has received a boost Reigning Intercontinental Rally Corte Inglés continues to grow as he prepares for Rally Islas Challenge (IRC) 2WD Cup champion after organisers revealed that Canarias El Corte Inglés, round two Harry Hunt has confi rmed the 45 crews have registered for the of the 2011 Intercontinental Rally remainder of his IRC plan for 2011. Intercontinental Rally Challenge Challenge. The London-based Briton, who round. The 29-year-old from Czech beat and Rafael Tulio And with entries for the island Republic was chosen by members of to the IRC 2WD Cup title in 2010, will event not closing until 1 April, there his country’s motoring media as the contest , Geko , is a strong possibility that even more recipient of a Golden Steering Wheel, Sata Rallye Acores, Barum Czech Rally competitors will sign-up for the Gran which go to the best performers in Zlin, Rallye Sanremo, RACMSA Rally of Canaria-based rally. a variety of motorsport disciplines, Scotland and the . One of the latest names to including rallying, each year. “After winning the IRC 2WD Cup enter is Spaniard Ruben Gracia who will Kopecký, who has fi nished last year I’m really excited about the be a contender for IRC Production Cup runner-up in the IRC standings for the challenge I’ll face trying to defend my honours in his Mitsubishi Lancer past two seasons alongside co-driver title,” said Hunt. “Obviously it’s going to Evolution X after fi nishing seventh Petr Starý, received the award recently be more diffi cult this year because I’m overall on the event last season. following his exploits in last season’s IRC stepping up in terms of performance Gracia will be looking to make in a Škoda Motorsport Fabia Super 2000. and I’m going to face even more rivals. up for his disappointing exit on Rallye He said: “I really appreciate this But I’m doing a good spread of events Monte-Carlo in January when he was award from the media. It honours the and I’ve got a good chance to learn even challenging for a place in the top 30 results of my job although I was making more. I’ll certainly be doing my best only to go off the road and retire on the some mistakes last year in the IRC and to get some good results and build my eighth stage of the event. I hope these will not be repeated [this experience.” Rally Islas Canarias takes place year].” All drivers in any two-wheel- from 14-16 April and counts as the Kopecký has received the award drive car built to Grp A, Grp N and Gr R second round of the 12-event IRC series. on three previous occasions in 2004, regulations are eligible for the IRC 2WD The event made its fi rst appearance on 2006 and 2007. Cup drivers’ title. Only those car makes the IRC schedule in 2010 and was won Rally Islas Canarias is based registered as an IRC manufacturer by Czech crew Jan Kopecký and Petr in Las Palmas on the island of Gran are permitted to score IRC 2WD Cup Starý in a Škoda Fabia Super 2000. H&H Canaria. It runs from 14-16 April. H&H manufacturers’ points. H&H THIS WEEK’S BEST VIDEO << Tim Williams represented HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS at the opening round of the 2011 Rally America season. This talented photographer also fi lmed the in action, and here is his series of video clips: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2uq

At the top of each page, a tabbed section contains video clicks we recommend viewing. In other tabbed sections, we have linked articles posted on our website that will add more perspective and insight into the article it accompanies. Together with the videos, HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS aims to offer readers a fully-interactive reading experience.

Send [email protected] your favourite rally-related videos to to be featured in this section. Or, send us a twitter to @Evan_Rothman or a message on Facebook.

THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF RALLYING RallyBuzz.com features European rally championships, British rallying, RallyCar events, international rally results and videos, as well as S2000 and WRC news. www.RallyBuzz.com IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011 PPageage • 0055

Kris Meeke and test the MINI Countryman WRC: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2CX FAN FOTO FRAMED Got a great shot from a rally? Send your favourite rally photograph to [email protected] to be featured here! Picture by Bill Holmes.

PITCHFORD NAMED MOTOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR 2010

Words: Staff Writer Picture: Motorpics Ralph Pitchford, who was the highest-placed South African in last year’s Dakar Rally when he navigated American Mark Miller to third Download H&H’s place in a factory Race Touareg, FREE January Rally is the 2010 Bridgestone/Guild of Motoring Calendar: Journalists Motor Sportsman of the Year. http://bit.ly/hdWp0A The 49-year-old former national off road motorcycle and production car co-driver champion was competing in his fourth Dakar Rally and is SOCIAL MEDIA: regarded as one of the world’s best ultra-marathon off road navigators. FOLLOW US! Winner of the Colin Watling Award for Follow HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS on Twitter and special achievement in motor sport by someone Facebook for insightful news and entertainment. other than a competitor was Adrian Pheiffer, for his lifelong dedication to motor sport as a competitor, club offi cial and motorsport journalist and, most recently, as the author of a signifi cant book which chronicles the history of early Cape motorsport and specifi cally the half decade of the Killarney motor racing circuit, an institution with which he has been associated since its birth more than 50 years ago. Also nominated for the Colin Watling Award was Ian Schofi eld, for his long-time support and sponsorship of Formula Ford in South Africa, which has seen the category grow into one of the most competitive in the country. H&H SSERVICEERVICE PPARKARK Interviews Exclusive columnists In-depth articles

MINI UNVEILS S2000 MACHINE, WRC SCHEDULE

Words: Staff Writer motorsport to the mix, you can see we MINI John Cooper Works WRC will be Pictures: Newspress have an exceptional blend of attributes made from ultra-lightweight plastic. which will take us quickly to the next The powerful heartbeat of The opening of the 81st stage. The car’s technical make-up both cars will be generated by the International Geneva Motor Show and driving characteristics make it the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine used in provided the stage for MINI to perfect fi t for rallying. Entering the WRC standard MINI production cars, but unveil the MINI John Cooper Works takes MINI back to its rally roots and optimised by BMW Motorsport for use S2000 – the latest milestone on brings this heritage right up to date.” in numerous race series. Indeed, this the road to the FIA World Rally Versatility lies at the heart engine also powers the BMW 320 TC run Championship (WRC). This is the of the new rule book drawn up by the by privately-entered teams in the FIA forerunner to the MINI John Cooper sport’s world governing body, the FIA. World Touring Car Championship. Works WRC, which the MINI WRC The 2011 regulations put private teams The diameter of the air intake Team will entrust to drivers Dani in a position to line up with the same restrictor is also identical, although Sordo and for its debut cars as the factory team – and thus Prodrive also offers a variant with a in the premier category of rallying raise excitement levels another notch. In smaller restrictor for championships in the WRC Rally Italy from 05 Portugal, for example, the Brazil World where WRC cars are not permitted. – 08 May 2011. Further entries Rally Team will be sending the Brazilian Customer teams can order both the MINI are planned in the WRC events in into action in a MINI John Cooper Works WRC and the S2000- Finland, Germany, , Spain and John Cooper Works S2000, and reigning specifi cation car from Prodrive as part of Great Britain. Private teams will line PWRC champion Armindo Araujo will an extensive service package. up with the S2000 version of the line up in a MINI for the Motorsport The MINI WRC Team has further car at the end of March in WRC Rally Italia outfi t. Oliveira and Araujo will tests lined up over the coming weeks, Portugal. then swap over to the MINI John Cooper before the MINI John Cooper Works WRC “We are delighted to present Works WRC for Rally Italy. Prodrive is is presented to the public at the MINI the MINI John Cooper Works S2000 here currently working on 12 MINI rally cars plant in Oxford on 11 April 2011. in Geneva,” said Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, for delivery to customers across Europe. The FIA WRC calendar 2011 at Senior Vice President Brand Management Three key areas set the WRC a glance: MINI. “MINI has joined forces with a car apart from its S2000 sibling. The Rally Italy (5-8 May 2011) highly experienced partner in Prodrive, MINI John Cooper Works WRC will gain (28-31 Jul 2011) and our colleagues in England continue a larger rear wing and its front end will Rally Germany (18-21 Aug 2011) to oversee the development of the MINI boast greater aerodynamic effi ciency. On Rally France (29 Sep – 2 Oct 2011) John Cooper Works WRC. When you add asphalt rallies the WRC machine will be Rally Spain (20-23 Oct 2011) the turbocharged MINI engine and the fi tted with water-cooled brakes on the Rally GB (10-13 Nov 2011) H&H BMW Group’s expertise in the world of front axle, while the side windows of the IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011 PPageage • 0077

Are these rally rookies? http://wp.me/ppkXc-2za

TOTAL TOUR NATAL RALLY ALL SET AS SEASON OPENER

Words: Staff Writer will take place at 17h30. Read/Bizhub Ford Fiesta and will be Pictures: Motorpics Chairman of the organising doing battle for top Ford honours with committee and Clerk of the Course Zimbabwe’s and The third Total Tour Natal Rally Richard Vaughan promises a testing Peter Marsh, the new pairing of former marks the offi cial start of the 2011 event for the opening round of factory rallyists Mark Cronje and South African Rally Championship what promises to be an exciting Robin Houghton and Jon Williams and and takes place in the Amanzimtoti season. “This is the 53rd Tour Natal Cobus Vrey. and Scottburgh areas of the Rally and, together with Total, we Making their debut appearance KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on 25 - have stepped up the standards of in the championship will be the Pirtek 26 March. promotion, professionalism and safety of Hein Lategan/Johan van der The Total-sponsored round of to bring the event closer to World Rally Merwe and Visser du Plessis/Gerhard the national championship has been Championship standards.” Snyman. Nicholas Ryan and Geoff Tyrer a highpoint of every season for many Heading the entries in the will be in an RCF VW Polo as will the New years and this year sees Total South premier S2000 Class are the factory Africa Developments pairing of Japie van Africa backing the opening round of the BP Volkswagen Polos of defending Niekerk and Dave Lewkowicz. eight-round championship for the third champions Enzo Kuun and Guy Hodgson This year sees the phasing year in succession. (who also won in 2006), 2008 and 2009 out of Classes A7 and N3 as a result of “We’re delighted to be champions Hergen Fekken and Pierre rising costs and falling entries, while sponsoring the opening round of the Arries, 2005 and 2007 champions Jan the popular Class A6 will become Super new season in the 55th year of our Habig and new co-driver Robert Paisley, 1600 and incorporate N3 entries for company’s involvement as a sponsor, who is also a former champion, and new 2011 only. supporter and benefi ciary to the growth members of the team Giniel de Villiers Class A6 promises to be a and development of this popular sport and Ralph Pitchford. De Villiers, a former closely-fought battle ground with former in South Africa,” said Total South Africa South African off road champion and champion Craig Trott (Team Total Toyota brand and communications manager winner of the 2009 Dakar Rally in a RunX), back with co-driver Robbie Nadia Vosloo. “2011 also marks the 16th Volkswagen Race Touareg, is making his Coetzee, reigning class A7 champion year of Team Total and once again we rally debut, while Pitchford returns for a Gugu Zulu and co-driver Carl Peskin will fi eld the biggest privateer rally team second year after navigating for Habig (BP Volkswagen Polo) and Ashley Haigh in the championship.” last year. Smith/Hilton Auffray (React Ford Fiesta) Organised by the Natal The Castrol Toyota factory team likely to be strong contenders. Motorcycle and Car Club, the Total will again be their fi ercest competition Also worth keeping an eye Tour Natal will comprise 14 special and will be looking to regain the on will be Tjaart Conradie/Kes Naidoo stages over a total distance of some championship they last won in 2004 with (Silverton Engineering Toyota Auris), 161km over the two days. It will start the now retired Serge Damseaux. Guy Botterill/Pierre Jordaan (Yato Tools at 13h30 on Friday (25 March) from Carrying Toyota’s hopes are Toyota RunX) and the new all-woman the Arbour Crossing Shopping Centre Jonny Gemmell and Scotsman Drew team of Stefanie Hugo and Angela in Amanzimtoti, 30km south of Durban. Sturrock (Auris) and Leeroy Poulter and Shields in a Team Total Toyota RunX. The fi rst day will consist of four short new navigator Elvene Coetzee (Auris). Adding considerable interest to the class South Coast gravel stages followed buy Also in are Team Total privateers is the possibility of three C2s a tarmac stage in the Arbour Crossing Jean-Pierre Damseaux and Carolyn Swan making their South African debut. Shopping Centre car park. (RunX) and Mohammed Moosa and Class A5, now called Super The action gets underway again Grant Martin (RunX). Strong competition 1400, will feature another all-woman at 06h00 on Saturday with four gravel for the Privateers’ Championship will team of Megan Verlaque/Lirene du stages on the South Coast, all of which also come from four Ford Fiestas and Plessis in a BP Volkswagen Polo Vivo as will be repeated before the day ends two 207s together with several well as Henk Lategan/Barry White in with a second run through the Arbour privateer Volkswagen Polos. a similar car backed by Pirtek and Ian Crossing tarmac stage. The rally is Charl Wilken and Greg Godrich, Young/Herman Groenewald in a Toyota expected to fi nish at around 16h00 and winners of the fi nal round of the 2010 Yaris. H&H the podium ceremony and prize-giving championship, are back in their Basil PPageage • 0088 IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011

Watch the MINI WRC Evolution: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2AG

FRUSTRATION FOR TAYLOR AND SMART AT SUNSEEKER

Words: Staff Writer it was just a warning or if the engine good solid day’s run to work out what Pictures: Jakob Ebrey Photography was really hot and we were in danger of I can get out of the car, because the cooking it. All I could tell was that we next event we do is the WRC round in Overheating problems put an early were dropping power and going into limp Portugal, and we want everything to be and disappointing end to Australian mode. going as smoothly as possible for that.” rally driver Molly Taylor’s fi rst event “So we replaced the fan during The 36th annual Malcolm Wilson for the 2011 season in Europe. service straight after that stage and Rally, created by the former world The Sydneysider and her went back out again. But we were only championship driver and current Ford Queensland-born co-driver Rebecca about a mile into stage fi ve when the WRC team manager, is a one-day event Smart had entered the Rallye Sunseeker light came on again, so rather than risk that is 306km long, of which 73km is this past weekend, the fi rst round of the damaging the engine, I made the call to timed against the clock, in seven special British Rally Championship. pull out. stages. While they had hoped for as “We won’t really know what Taylor began rallying in 2005 high a placing as possible, the main the problem is until the guys strip down and moved to the UK two years ago aim was to bed down the brand-new the car this week, but for sure it was (she has dual citizenship) to be closer partnership between the two Australians, frustrating. Apart from that, the only to the top levels of the sport with the to fi ne-tune their pace noting system real issue I had was that I was rusty, aim of making a career as a professional and the processes they will need because I haven’t done an event since driver, and began posting solid results to tackle the fi rst event of the WRC September.” immediately. Academy sub-series at the World Rally Aside from the drama and the Smart started watching rallying Championship in Portugal next month. disappointment, Molly says she and at the age of 12 with her brother before “It was so frustrating,” says Rebecca were reasonably comfortable the pair launched into the sport in Molly. “We were just starting to fi nd our in the car on their fi rst outing together, 2007. They were second outright in the feet and things were falling into place although they hadn’t had enough time to Australian Rally Championship last year. when the temperature warning light build up to full commitment. That, they The pair will contest six rounds came on during the last stage (SS4) of hope, will come next weekend. of this year’s WRC in the junior Academy the fi rst loop. “We’ve entered the Malcolm series as well as selected rounds of the “The problem is, the [Ford] Wilson Rally which we will use as a British and European championships. H&H Fiesta R2 has no temperature gauge, so test session and try to pick up where I had no idea how hot it was – whether we left off this weekend. I just want a IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011 PPageage • 0099

Ken Block jumps over Colin’s Crest Arena jump at WRC Rally 2011: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2zc

BRC RALLYE SUNSEEKER H&H RALLY REPORT

Words: Staff Writer Picture: Evan Rothman READY FOR The 2011 season-opening BRC event the Rallye Sunseeker was as MEXICAN HEAT AND GRAVEL thrilling as expected, and provided many thrills and spills for the rally enthusiasts to soak up. Video clips are used courtesy of Words: Staff Writer sea level. “almostmarvellous”, audio clips are from Picture: Eva Kovkova Rally Mexico is the fi rst event www.rallybrc.co.uk and pictures are from for the PSWRT as a WRC Team, meaning Jakob Ebrey Photography for From the snow and ice in Sweden, they are able to score points in the www.rallybrc.co.uk. the WRC has travelled to sunny and Manufacturers’ Championship. HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS warm Mexico; the Petter Solberg “Im really looking forward to is a free weekly eMagazine available for World Rally Team is ready for the compete with the DS3 for the fi rst time download from http://wp.me/pkXc. H&H second round of the 2011 WRC on gravel,” says Petter Solberg. “We had season. one test day in France last week, where The Petter Solberg World Rally we focused on fi nding the best set-up for Team is on location in León, inside the Mexican stages, and I’m confi dent the Poliforum, where the Service Park we now have the best one. Starting as for this high-altitude event is based. the fi fth car on the fi rst day is also good, All equipment travelled in a container and I think start position will be the key cia ship, and Solberg and Patterson’s factor for this rally.” rally machine arrived by airfreight last Petter Solberg fi nished second weekend. overall in the Rally Mexico in 2010 after The WRC Rally Mexico is based a close fi ght with Sebastien Ogier on in the city of León, the fi fth biggest city the fi nal day. WRC Rally Mexico gets in Mexico with 1,3million people. A total underway with a super special stage of 22 stages await competitors of this in the city of Guanajuato on Thursday gravel-surfaced rally. León is 1,800m evening. Mexico time is GMT – 6hrs. H&H above sea level, and the speed tests are all from run 1,800m to 2,700m above PPageage • 1100 IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011

Watch the mighty Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.5 and in-car on the WRC Rally Finland 2001: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2D4

HANSON WINS SUPER PRODUCTION, STILL IN LEAD

Words: Staff Writer “It’s a shame that Ramana BARRABLE Picture: Tim Williams crashed. Competition that close is what makes this Class so great. I hope he can Travis and Terry Hanson claimed make it back for the rest of the season,” PLANS IRC the Super Production Class win at stated Travis. the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood with The team performed extremely CAMPAIGN IN their 2007 Impreza STi, well together and by the end of the rally fi nishing in fourth place overall. they had gained a lead of almost two SKODA FABIA Combined with the team’s historic minutes over the next Super Production overall victory at the season opener, competitor, claiming their second win of Sno*Drift Rally, they remain the the year. Words: Staff Writer overall leaders of the 2011 Rally T. Hanson Motorsports has Pictures: Jakob Ebrey Photography America championship. seen such amazing success in the fi rst “The goal for this race was to two events of the season becoming the Irish driver Robert Barrable is stay focused and clean,” said Travis. “We most known and followed privateer team planning to contest selected rounds had to be sure we fi nished well to score competing in the series. “After two great of the Intercontinental Rally overall points against the faster Open events its hard to believe that we are still Challenge (IRC) this season. Class competitors.” making history,” said Hanson. No other The 23-year-old from Swords, “We really tried to race our own Super Production driver has ever held near Dublin, is a one-make rally rally this weekend. We couldn’t allow the the overall points lead in the National champion in the UK and Ireland. He pressure of being the leader effect us,” series. The Rally America Championship has bought a Škoda Motorsport Fabia explained Travis’ father and navigator continues on 30 April in Ocean Shores, Super 2000 used by Jan Kopecký on Terry Hanson. Washington for the . selected rounds of the IRC in 2010 and Day One of the race saw the T. Hanson Motorsports is is planning to enter the Geko Ypres Rally team solidly in contention for Class proudly supported by Team O’Neil Rally in June and October’s RACMSA Rally of honors, fi nishing in second place, just 20 School, OSLV, Olson’s Auto Body and Big Scotland. seconds behind former Subaru factory Boulder Park. H&H Barrable, who completed a driver Ramana Lagemann. In addition to short systems check in the Fabia in Lagemann, Lauchlin O’Sullivan was also Czech Republic recently, only took competing in the SP Class with another delivery of the car last Wednesday, but professional background previously used it in competition for the fi rst time driving for Mitsubishi USA Rally Team. on the opening round of the British Rally With such a competitive fi eld, Championship yesterday (Saturday). Hanson was pleased with the day’s result He told Motorsport News in the and planned to push harder on the fast UK: “I’ve bought this car as part of a stages the following day, hoping to gain two-year plan. This year we’re going to the Class victory. run in the BRC as well as doing Ypres Sadly, that battle became moot and Rally of Scotland and then we’ll do early on Day Two when Lagemann was some more events abroad next year. involved in a huge accident ending his I feel going to S2000 now is the way rally on the day’s second stage. forward for the future.” H&H IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011 PPageage • 1111

BRC Rallye Sunseeker - Review by HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usY9NHtRayY

NOVIKOV JOINS STOBART FOR MEXICAN FIESTA

Words: Staff Writer strong track record in Mexico – it will be through the rally in one piece. I’ve got Pictures: Eva Kovkova Solberg’s fi fth outing at the Leon-based absolutely no idea what to expect from gravel rally and he has fi nished inside the stages – I haven’t even seen any The M-Sport Stobart Ford World the top fi ve twice. Last year, Solberg onboard footage yet so it’s a real leap Rally Team will welcome Russia’s fi nished sixth overall. into the unknown. I’ll be content if I’m , the youngest ever Britain’s and fi ghting in the top fi ve at this event and driver to set a fastest WRC stage fi nished sixth at 2008’s if I fi nish in the top fi ve or six, then I will time, into their Cumbrian-based Rally Mexico and 24-year-old Wilson leave a happy man.” squad for this week’s Rally Mexico. will be looking to take advantage of the said: “I The 20-year-old made his debut extensive testing he has undertaken in really enjoy this event – for sure, in the FIA at the Fiesta RS WRC on gravel so far in Mexico is a great place to go and the 2007’s Rally GB, but was absent order to fi nish in a strong position. atmosphere of the fans is incredible. The from the series last year after spending Evgeny Novikov said: “For organisers have made some changes the season competing at home events obvious reasons, I am not planning to to the itinerary this year including the in Russia. Novikov originally planned fi ght for a high result in Mexico and I Guanajuato Street Stage which looks like to embark on his 2011 campaign am not planning to drive to the limit. it will be a lot of fun. I also think it will in the new Ford Fiesta RS WRC at It is a wonderful opportunity to try out help make the event even more exciting Rally Portugal, but has since moved the new Fiesta RS WRC and I will have for both the drivers and the fans. I’ve this forward in order to build up his a fi rst chance to try the new car at Rally had some good results in Mexico in the experience of competing on gravel. Mexico’s shakedown which I consider past so hopefully I can put my accident Novikov, whose best WRC as an ideal place to get acquainted with from Sweden at the back of my mind in result is fi fth from 2009’s Rally the car. As for the car itself, I feel that order to produce a strong points fi nish d’Italia Sardegna, will be co-driven by it will be better in handling compared to this week.” experienced Belgian Stéphane Prévot the cars from the previous generations Matthew Wilson said: “We’re and the pair will be looking to make a – the results that the car achieved from moving from a rally where the conditions good impression on their fi rst outing in Sweden were very impressive. The helped the car run at optimum levels to Ford’s new challenger. new class is a novelty for everyone and one where the air is less dense because runner-up, Mads everyone needs some time to adapt and of the altitude. This means the engine Østberg and co-driver Jonas Andersson get used to the new cars. I have never produces about 20% less power which will also be competing under the M-Sport competed in Mexico, but my co-driver is quite noticeable when driving – you Stobart banner in Mexico and will be has recommended it to me – fast stages really have to take the reduction in the team’s nominated point-scorers. should suit my driving style.” power into account when tackling the Østberg’s 2010 WRC campaign got off to Mads Østberg said: “Sweden stages. It’ll be good to get used to a fl ying start earlier last month with the was a really good event for me but I the new Michelin tyres on gravel over 23-year-old fi nishing second overall – don’t think it is realistic to expect the there but sometimes the stages can be the best ever result for the Stobart team same sort of result in Mexico. It’s the really rough and there could be a risk of in their six year history. fi rst time there for us and it’s all about punctures. Like every rally I set a pace Regular team-mates Henning learning how the car handles on gravel on the fi rst stage, see where we are and Solberg and have been at this event. It’s very important that then develop the speed and feeling from nominated as the team’s other point- we have a good recce and after that, I there.” H&H scorers this week. The Norwegian has a just want to just concentrate on getting Event Reports & Results Action Photography

DAVID BOGIE WINS RALLYE SUNSEEKER

Words: Staff Writer They ended the eleven-stage to this fantastic prize opportunity meant Pictures: Jakob Ebrey Photography rally, based in Hampshire and Dorset, a fi nish was his priority – job done. twenty two seconds clear of nearest Estonians Siim Plangi defeated Reigning Champions rivals Tom Cave and Craig Parry, having the odds and competition to take his David Bogie and Kevin Rae took been less than three seconds ahead maiden victory in the Dulux Trade their fi rst ever event victory in early in the day. British Rally Championship Formula Two the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Despite the ding-dong battle at category at his fi rst attempt. Championship as they won Rallye the front going Bogie’s way, Cave was The Estonian is no stranger Sunseeker International, the new pleased with his debut in the British to the British Isles having competed in opening round of the British Isles Rally Championship. Scotland, but the young Renault driver premier rally series. The Welsh youngster took three took to the forest tracks of the south- The win is extra special for the fastest stages times in his Mitsubishi and coast like a duck to water. pair, as it is the fi rst for a Scot in the led the event after the second stage. Plangi was pushed hard from British Rally Championship since Alister But with just one event in the car before the off by his Renault team-mate Mikko McRae took a win on the Scottish Rally in tackling the tricky south of England Pajunen, but showed his maturity by not June 1997. stages, he reckoned there was much buckling under the mounting pressure. As points follow places on more to come. The Finn had to settle for the fi rst round, their lead in the “The rhythm was good but second best at the Bournemouth podium championship puts them in the enviable in the end David (Bogie) was just too and was left thinking what might have position of leading both British and quick. We enjoyed the rally and I think been had he not picked up a 30 second Scottish series, having won the fi rst we’ll have a good result if we take the road penalty. The late check in to TC3 round north of the border last weekend. same approach in Wales.” left him with an uphill task to try to rain “It’s been a dream of mine It was the Welsh who took in his Baltic teammate but it wasn’t to to win a round of the BRC for ages,” the fi nal podium step; Pirelli Star be. he said at the fi nish on Bournemouth Driver winners and Andrew But with Renault Twingos promenade; it means a huge amount to Edwards making their competitive debut dominating the top two steps on the me. We had a great day but had a big in their prize drive Subaru. podium, it proved a vital days rallying scare three stages from home when we The pair set some excellent for the Autosport Technology run team got mud on the screen. By the time it stages times throughout the day, which took maximum Championship cleared we were fl at out in fi fth half way stopping the clocks ahead of everybody points. across a fi eld!” on stage ten, but his sensible approach Another BRC debutant also IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011 PPageage • 1133

How the studded WRC car’s studded tyres work: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2z8

made the podium in the form of 586 team second ahead of the M-Sport Ford TEG Sport-run Impreza. H&H Sports’ Callum Black. Black and co-driver Rally Team. OVERALL CLASSIFICATION Paul Wakely made an impressive step M-Sport’s two car team was 01) D. Bogie/K. Rae up from the Dulux Trade British Rally halved when Craig Breen’s team-mate Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX R4 – 01h 00m 44.4s Championship support series on their John MacCrone suffered electrical failure. 02) T. Cave/C. Parry Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X R4 – 1:01:06.2 fi rst outing. Sadly for Breen his Fiesta R2 also had 03) E. Evans/A. Edwards The reigning BRC Challenge problems, a cracked water pump costing R4 – 1:01:11.8 champions had a diffi cult rally in their him several minutes. 04) A. Gould/S. Marshall Subaru Impreza R4 – 1:01:18.7 S1600 Swift, suffering from tyre choice The Cumbrian outfi t had more 05) D. Barry/R. Kennedy problems early on: “We should have put luck than Team C2R2 Max, both Citroëns Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X R4 – 1:01:49.8 the narrower tyres on this morning and retiring before the fi nish ramp on 06) J. Greer/D. Roberts Skoda Fabia S2000 R4 – 1:02:12.7 we needed more time in the car in the Saturday evening. Mark Donnelly broke 07) R. Barrable/D. Connolly build up to the event,” said Black. a driveshaft early-on while Desi Henry’s Skoda Fabia S2000 R4 – 1:02:30.7 But the Northamptonshire local wheel studs sheared on the fi nal stage. 08) T. Clark/A. Wyllie Subaru Impreza N15 R4 – 1:04:25.1 held his nerve to fi nish on the podium The fi rst nomination for this, 09) A. Carmichael/P. Clarke ahead of some more experienced crews. the richest prize in British rallying, went Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX R4 – 1:05:16.3 However it is the well deserving to newcomer to the series Siim Plangi. 10) S. Plangi/M. Sarapuu crew of Siim Plangi and Marek Sarapuu The Estonian youngster was a Renault Twingo R2 – 1:06:31.0 that took the Dulux Trade MSA British revelation on the stages in his Renault DRIVERS’ STANDINGS Formula 2 Rally Championship spoils in Twingo, eventually beating his Autosport 01) David Bogie - 20 pts 02) Tom Cave - 18 pts Bournemouth, and head to the gravel of Technology team mate Mikko Pajunen. 03) Elfyn Evans - 16 pts North Wales as the ones to beat. The PSD selection from each of 04) Adam Gould - 15 pts The Teams championship this year’s seven events come from BRC 05) Daniel Barry - 14 pts 06) Jonny Greer - 13 pts got underway with a bang with the Formula 2 runners and judging by the 07) Robert Barrable - 12 pts Autosport Technology Renaults taking level of competition on the new opening 08) Tom Clark - 11 pts a clean sweep of maximum points. 586 round, the judges will have plenty to 09) Alan Carmichael - 10 pts Sports’ single car entry was less of a choose from to put forward to the end of 10) Siim Plangi - 9 pts disadvantage than lone driver Callum season shoot-out. TEAMS STANDINGS Black might at fi rst have thought. Reigning PSD champion Elfyn 01) Autosport Technology - 38 pts 02) 586 Sports - 16 pts His third place in the two wheel Evans had an excellent start to his 2011 03) M-Sport Ford - 15 pts drive category was enough to place the campaign, gelling quickly with the Pirelli 04) Team C2R2 Max - 0 pts PPageage • 1144 IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011

BRC Rallye Sunseeker - Review by HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usY9NHtRayY

L’ESTAGE WINS 100 ACRE WOOD RALLY

Words: Staff Writer Saturday, the second and fi nal day coming into their own after only two Pictures: Tim Williams of the rally. events together. Subaru Rally Team USA’s David A surprise last-minute entry Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew placed from former SRT USA driver Travis Richard have won the 2011 Rally in second overall, netting their fi rst points Pastrana was short lived when Pastrana the 100 Acre Wood after a fl awless of the season and keeping pressure and co-driver Jeremy Wimpey crashed drive from start to end. L’Estage set on L’Estage as they gave chase for and rolled their 2007 ex-Colin McRae a blistering pace early on, winning the duration of rally. Higgins’ Subaru WRX STI on a left-hand corner on the ten of the event’s fi fteen special teammate Dave Mirra rounded out the second stage of the rally. stages and fi nishing 17.7 seconds podium by maintaining third overall The Rally in the 100 Acre Wood ahead of international rally ace through most of the event with a solid is based in Salem, Missouri and is well David Higgins. This victory was a drive. This is the second consecutive known for its fast and fl owing stage particularly sweet one for L’Estage, podium fi nish of the season for Mirra roads. The best teams from all over who celebrated his birthday on and co-driver Marshall Clarke, who are North America and beyond gathered IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011 PPageage • 1155

BRC Rallye Sunseeker - Review by HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usY9NHtRayY

to contest over 120 competitive miles second in Super Production by only 0.6 Olympus Rally in Ocean Shores, spread throughout the foothills of the seconds on Roman Pakos. O’Sullivan Washington from 30 April to 1 May. H&H Ozark Mountains. This year crews spent his day closing the gap between OVERALL CLASSIFICATION were challenged with unusually damp himself and Pakos after losing time 01) A. L’Estage/N. Richard conditions after heavy rainfall on the to him on the second loop of stages. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X – 1hr 24min 41.5sec 02) D. Higgins/C. Drew Thursday before the rally began. The O’Sullivan placed sixth overall. Pakos Subaru Impreza WRX STI + 17.7s 100 Acre Wood Rally is the second of and guest co-driver Bartosz Sawicki 03) D. Mirra/M. Clarke six rounds in the Rally America National fi nished third in class and seventh Subaru Impreza WRX STI + 05m 02.4s 04) T. Hanson/T. Hanson Championship and has traditionally been overall. Subaru Impreza WRX STI + 08m 21.7s won by and co-driver Alex In two-wheel drive competition, 05) H. Nunnemacher/M. Rossey Gelsomino since 2006. Wyatt Knox charged to a commanding Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8.5 MR + 09m 10.4s 06) L. O’Sullivan/S. Putnam Privateers Travis and Terry fi rst place fi nish with co-driver Ole Subaru WRX-STI + 10m 01.6s Hanson maintain their lead of the overall Holter, fi nishing nearly three minutes 07) R. Pakos/B. Sawicki Championship before the Series heads ahead of Chris Greenhouse and Brian Subaru Impreza STI + 10m 02.2s 08) A. Yeoman/J. Schulze West for rounds three and fi ur. The Johnson. Greenhouse claimed second Subaru Impreza + 11m 23.4s Hansons inherited fourth overall after in the 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) National, 09) M. Marker/C. Gordon ex-factory driver Ramana Lagemann but was concentrating on his Group 2 Subaru WRX + 12m 52.3s 10) M. Moyle/G. Barton and co-driver Chrissie Beavis had a big Regional effort, which he won on Friday Subaru Impreza + 13m 03.1s crash on SS8, putting them out of the and placed second on Saturday. Ford rally. The Hansons had another smooth, Racing driver Dillon Van Way claimed DRIVERS’ STANDINGS 01) Travis Hanson - 34 pts trouble-free event, winning Super third place in 2WD after dealing with 02) Dave Mirra - 31 pts Production in their Subaru and extending electrical issues on the opening day of 03) Antoine L’Estage - 23 pts their points lead over top runners David the rally. Van Way was unable to make 04) David Higgins - 18 pts 05) Roman Pakos - 18 pts Higgins and Antoine L’Estage. up time on Greenhouse on Saturday’s 06) Joseph Burke - 15 pts Lauchlin O’Sullivan and co- stages and fi nished 19th overall. 07) Jimmy Keeney - 13 pts driver Scott Putnam overcame various The next event in the 2011 08) Heath Nunnemacher - 11 pts 09) Mason Moyle - 11 pts mechanical issues this weekend to place Rally America Championship is the 10) Lauchlin O’Sullivan - 11 pts PPageage • 1166 IIssuessue 117272 • 0033 MMarar 22011011

BRC Rallye Sunseeker - Review by HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usY9NHtRayY

WRC RALLY MEXICO: HEAT, DUST AND ALTITUDE

Words: Evan Rothman 32˚C. According to the teams, the roads and through fl oodlit tunnels which Picture: Eva Kovkova higher than average mercury level will once formed mine shafts. Friday and bring new demands, imposing stresses Saturday’s legs again include a short Ford made a clean sweep of the on engines and transmissions as well street stage next to the service park podium Sweden last month, and the as on drivers and co-drivers, who will at León Poliforum midway through the Blue Oval boys will have to once endure higher temperatures in the day. Both also close with two tests at again drive at maximum attack pace cockpit. the town’s race circuit, which will be to keep ahead of the Citroen crews Adding to that is the fact that run in darkness for the fi rst time. The in Rally Mexico. the gravel roads are made up of hard- competition ends with an 8.28km Power I predicted in on Twitter ahead packed tracks that will become rougher Stage, broadcast live on television and of thje Rally Sweden that Mads Ostberg and broken as the cars pass over the offering bonus points to the fastest will be the man to watch, having won tests. Suspension setup is all important, drivers. Competitors tackle 22 stages two rounds of the Norwegian Rally as cars will need to absorb the covering 364.87km in a route of Championship and extensively tested punishment from the terrain and yet aslo 1031.30km. H&H in the snow and ice climes for the Rally provide enough stiffness to provide the Sweden. four wheels with the optimum amount of And, did Mads upset the traction. factory drivers in his privateer M-Sport The Rally Mexico is also the Stobart Ford Fiesta RS WRC. For this the fi rst of seven consecutive dirt rallies on second round of the 2011 World Rally the calendar and this is also the highest Championship in Mexico, the terrain is in event in the 13-round season. direct contrast to that the drivers had to The effect of the altitude brings contend with last time out in Sweden. its own challenges: thinner air meaning In looking at the event preview, engines ‘run out of breath’ and power it is interesting to note that this will levels fall by about 20 percent. be the seventh year Rally Mexico WRC Rally Mexico 2011’s rally has been included on the World Rally route is virtually identical to that of Championship calendar. Once again last year’s edition, covering familiar based in León, the fi fth largest city in roads in the Sierra de Lobos mountains México, the event remains one of the north and east of León. Aside from most compact on the calendar, and is minor revisions to two Sunday stages, unique in that the elevation of the stages the major change is the introduction takes the crews to 2,737metres above of a short test through the streets sea level, providing additional challenges of Guanajuato immediately after for man and machinery. The event is Thursday’s start ceremony. The town is also the opening round of the Super a UNESCO-designated World Heritage 2000 World Rally Championship. Site, famed for rich veins of silver and For crews, they will need to gold discovered centuries ago, and the brace temperatures expected to reach stage will wind along wall-lined cobbled