Contents IIssuessue 200200 • 1212 SeptemberSeptember 20112011 0044 STARTSTART RAMPRAMP 04 Start Ramp - News Shorts

0088 SERVICESERVICE PARKPARK 08 Work in Progress: M-Sport Poland 10 Rautenbach still on top in ARC 11 Taylor wows in Australia 12 A day in the life of Team Total

1144 PARCPARC FERMEFERME 14 WRC Rally Australia review 16 SAORRC 4x4 Mega World 400 Race review 18 CRC Rally Defi review 20 IRC Canon Mecsek Rally review

EEDITORIALDITORIAL INFORMATIONINFORMATION CCONTACTONTACT Editor Evan Rothman E-mail us [email protected] Call us +27 83 452 6892 Surf us http://wp.me/pkXc

To receive your FREE weekly HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS eMagazine, or if you’d like to share Photojournalist Eva Kovkova 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.

Contributors Liga Stirna, Patrick Vermaak, RallyBuzz, Motorpics, Newspress. FOLLOW US! All content copyrighted property of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, 2007-11. 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. +27 11 670 08400 www.ats-motorsport.co.za

+27 11 670 08400 www.ats-motorsport.co.za Team News Event News Start Ramp Videos Breaking News and drivers. The Belgian team that through Eurosport’s network, reaching Kiwi Paddon is working with us – Symtech Racing more than 117 million homes across – is very passionate and enthusiastic 59 countries and through Eurosport wins PWRC title and they did a fantastic job this year, Asia-Pacifi c on Sunday 6 November as as has the loyal Kiwi crew who are follows: Words: Staff Writer here with me this weekend to run our New Zealand-owned CR Properties/ 11:00hrs-12:00hrs: Live Eurosport New Zealand’s top rally driver, Hayden Placemakers Subaru.” Golden Stage Run 1 (20kms) Paddon, has created motorsport history. Plans for 2012 are still to be 14:00hrs-15:00hrs: Live Eurosport The 24-year-old is, provisionally, decided as Paddon and his New Zealand Golden Stage Run 2 (20kms) the 2011 FIA Production World Rally World Rally Team continue to seek Champion after winning the production commercial partners and the right deal This year’s Golden Stage Rally will use category at WRC Rally Australia. to progress Paddon’s stellar career. H&H an all-new mixed-surface route based Paddon becomes the fi rst around the village of Polis, 40 kilometres person in the Southern Hemisphere to from Pafos in the west of Cyprus with ever win a , spectacular views of the Mediterranean taking the 2011 PWRC title with four Golden Stage Sea. Leading international co-driver consecutive category wins – another Denis Giraudet played a key role in new record set by the talented Kiwi in designing the stage. his second PWRC season. He still has Rally is go “The challenge was to improve two PWRC events to contest this season Words: www.wrc.com the route used last year and this has but, with a perfect score of 100 points been achieved with something that to his credit, the Subaru driver can’t be The ground-breaking Love Cyprus will be quite incredible,” said Jean- beaten. Golden Stage Rally, which took place to Pierre Nicolas, the IRC’s Motorsport “I can’t believe it, it’s great acclaim for the fi rst time in 2010, Development Manager. incredible!” Paddon said at the prize- will run again on Sunday 6 November, Regulations and entry forms giving. “Rally Australia wasn’t an easy Eurosport Events and the Cyprus will be published at the event’s offi cial rally at all for us, but we made it. Twelve Automobile Association are delighted to website, www.goldenstagerally.com, months ago I was back home in New confi rm. shortly where regular news updates will Zealand with no money, no sponsors and Rather than covering a multiple also be available. The event will be open we didn’t even think we would be able number of stages, the Golden Stage to all teams and drivers competing with to do the PWRC. We found the sponsors, Rally is unique in that it features one S2000 (Appendix J 2010), R2, R3 and we found a car and a team and now single stage, the Golden Stage, run R4 cars plus Group A cars up to 2000cc we’re here after a stunning year. And for twice on a mixed surface route shown in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive sure there’s still a lot to come. We’ll try live on television around the world. confi guration. H&H as hard as we can to come back next The quick-fi re format will thrill year in something bigger and better.” fans as drivers battle against the clock Paddon’s successful weekend for a share of the 150,000 Euros prize in the forests and gravel roads around fund. Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales Promoted by Eurosport Six events for coast was topped off by scooping Events and organised by the CAA, the eight WRC points for fi nishing sixth competition will take place the day 2012 BRC overall, a phenomenal feat in a Group N after the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Words: Staff Writer Production Car. Challenge season concludes in Cyprus. Offi cials note that while Martin Francois Ribeiro, the Motorsport The 2012 MSA British Rally Semerad can still draw level with Paddon Business Director of Eurosport, said: by winning the fi nal two events of the Championship will feature six classic “The inaugural Golden Stage Rally events in England, Scotland, Wales season. However, the Czech would still proved such a success that we can’t wait lose the title on count-back, leaving and Northern Ireland These will include for it to run again this season. We are a mix of one and two-day events on Paddon the champion. building on the event’s success with a Paddon was also awarded the asphalt and on gravel. new route that will come alive as drivers Championship Manger Mark Abu Dhabi Spirit of the Rally for his push to the limit in pursuit of the big record-breaking achievements. Taylor said: “We are keen for Rally Isle prize live on television.” of Man to plug the gap in the summer When asked how hard was Antonis Michaelides, President it for him, as a young Kiwi driver, to calendar which left the championship of the CAA, said: “Last year we broke feeling fractured this year. However, make his way into the World Rally new ground with the fi rst ever Golden Championship, Paddon replied: “It has despite the event being currently unable Stage Rally and created a whole new to commit to its return in 2012, we have defi nitely been hard. Possum Bourne experience that proved a major was a rally legend in New Zealand for a agreed with the organising committee hit with drivers and fans alike. This year to leave the summer date available for a long time and along with a lot of other we’re set to recreate the excitement, people, I looked up to him and when he potential return in 2013. Mindful of the delivering a thrill ride that will entertain ongoing economic situation, we believe passed away rallying took a bit of a hit motorsport fans across the world. I’m back home. There has never been a set that a six-round championship is a good confi dent that the drivers will put on a short-term move. Along with the switch pathway for Kiwi drivers to make their terrifi c show once again as they ‘go for way to the WRC, so that has been the to two-wheel-drive, this will further help gold!’” reduce costs towards participating in the hardest thing. Also fi nding the budget As in 2010, the Love Cyprus 2012 British Rally Championship.” H&H has always been an issue; there are Golden Stage Rally will benefi t from some big companies in New Zealand, an extensive live television production but with the global crisis it is hard to 2012 MSA British Rally Championship managed by Eurosport Events, which Calendar (subject to MSA approval): fi nd fi nancial back-up. Having said that, has successfully pioneered live coverage the team at Subaru has been really • 24/25 Feb - Rallye Sunseeker Int’l (gravel) of several rounds of the IRC. Eurosport • 30/31 Mar - Bulldog Int’l Rally (gravel) supportive to us and they helped us Events is responsible for the distribution • 27/28 Apr - Pirelli Int’l Rally (gravel) to make the move from our long-time of the worldwide media rights (including • 1/2 Jun - Jim Clark Int’l Rally (asphalt) association with Mitsubishi to drive a television rights). • 17/18 Aug - Int’l Rally NI (asphalt) Subaru this season. They make a big The Love Cyprus Golden Stage • 28/29 Sept - Int’l Rally Yorkshire (gravel) effort in the PWRC backing up teams Rally will be broadcast in its entirety click>> read >> enjoy

your insight into the world of rallying http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com I always enjoy reading Handbrakes and Hairpins as it provides a great mix of world and national motorsport news, from a range of countries which gives a real insight into whats happening globally. Personally, Evan has been a fantastic supporter of my career which is very much appreciated. Hello, my dear friends, - Molly Taylor, FIA WRC Academy Competitor, let me tell you one stor. it’s like many others little stories, stories about love... We met Pirelli Star Driver each other on the Internet; we had similar interests, and shared one passion: Rally! And, for almost 2 years I’m in love with... HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS!

Seriously, I think our acquaintance with HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS is a big success. I’m grateful to this magazine for the opportunity to share with you, dear readers, my impressions, emotions, information on events around the world of rallying - from classic rallies, rally- raids and trophy-raids too.

Our regular readers know of this magazine’s merits, but I want to tell a big secret about his founder, editor, publisher and a good man: Evan Rothman (And I really hope that in the process of editing, he will leave my words). So.. He’s an interesting conversationalist, he is always ready to help and support in difficult times, or to enjoy your successes. I respect his journalistic talent, editorial flair, as he’s a true professional. Rally - it’s not his work only, it is his breath, his life!

Evan is a very nice person with a big heart and I’m proud to be his friend! Congratulations with the 200th issue of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, and I hope to say some words for the 1000th and 2000th issue too! - Eva Kovkova, HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS’ photojournalist

H&H – CONGRATULATIONS!!!! on your 200th editi the going on’s in the rally world on a weekly than an email. Thanks for all the great stori the great work. - Melanie Bourn, Rally Marshal Hey Evan, I am happy that be in your 200 issue congratulations for your 200th Issue. I am proud.. Thank you so much... - Burcu Burkut Erenkul, Turkish Female Rally Driver 200: Tributes from

It is a privilege to salute the Proudly South African”Handbrakes & Hairpins on its 200th publication milestone readers achievement. The top quality, well-researched and visually stimulating editorials promote the sport of rallying, the drivers, their teams and sponsors in a truly global environment. It is with eager anticipation that I look forward to Handbrakes & Hairpins weekly publication to inform me of what is happening on the local and internationalat-out stories. rally front.

Well-done and keep up the excellent work and I look forward to many more great pictures and fl - Jon Williams, Team SASOL

ATS Motorsport Supplies wishes to congratulate you on the 200th issue of Handbrakes & Hairpins... a remarkable milestone for something that started as a passionate sideline.

Who would have thought that a specialist electronic publication without any printed counterpart would still be around after some 200 issues. Handbrakes & Hi Evan, Hairpins has certainly taken a leading role in the development of online news as a n Having been involved in the publishing si viable media in Southern Africa and we wish you well with the next 200 issues. i much effort and work goes into getting a Best wishes, u issue since I saw my first, way back at Robin Houghton, Managing Director - ATS Motorsport Supplies updated with all that is Rallying. Keep really felt proud the last time we featut

Well done on your milestone of your 200 another 200 issues. Always a great read,u mind. - Thorsten Pey and Team Telet

Great news to see you’ve reached the 200th edition of Handbrakes & Hairpins - what a huge milestone. Great to see how the content has developed and you’ve managed to keep it so high quality and most importantly, free! I look forward to contributing to and reading the next 200 issues. - David Benson, RallySport Media

Handbrakes and Hairpins has been my favourite racing read since its fi rst edition. It has brilliant articles that you don’t read everywhere Hi Evan, and Eva’s pictures are awesome. Please keep up the hard work! I have during the last year followed H&H and it’s always - Lola Verlaque, South Africa’s fastest female rally driver great rally rerports, thanks! - , Skoda Rallye Team

Congratulations, Handbrakes & Hairpins upon your 200th edition! The worldwide rally coverage is top notch and Rally America looks forward to reading each issue well into the future. - Ananda Siverts, RallyAmerica and RallyCar Managing Director Dear Evan, Congratulations to Handbrakes & Hairpins on your 200th issue! It’s a great magazine Many congratulations on this milestone issue of H&H. In a that I go to to stay informed of what’s going on in rallying around the world. Keep up comparatively short space of time, the magazine has already become an the good work! established landmark on the international rallying scene, thanks to -Antoine L’Estage, multiple champion: Canadian, rallyAmerica and North its comprehensive series of well-written news and reports, as well as American Rally Champion its insightful features, covering championships all over the world. For a number of years rallying has been lacking a commodity such as this one: just like the sport itself, I’m sure that H&H is only going to go from strength to strength in the future. A fantastic job from everyone; well done! - Anthony Peacock, Mediatica and Maxrally

at every level, got h rld i Coverage of rally all over the world, at every level, got me hooked on H&H. A few years since I started following the sport, I began competing and am pleased to be included in the magazine coverage. Happy 200, H&H!

Thank you for your support and amazing resource of information about the sport we love! Best wishes for the next 200. - Erika Detota, USA’s fastest female rally driver in 2011 Hi Evan, Congratulations on your successful emagazine, it is a great achievement! Thank you for the updated rally news - keeping us in touch and ion. It’s great to be able to read all contributing to the motorsport industry. I wish you many more successful y basis without having to look futher magazine issues and spectacular pictures! ies and info over the months. Keep up Your friend in motorsport. Elvéne Coetzee, Team Castrol Toyota Auris S2000

Congratulations to Evan and Handbrakes & Hairpins on reaching their 200th issue. It’s fantastic to see the success of such a great online rallying magazine, and I’d like to thank Evan for his continued support of M-Sport and our teams over the years. I think I speak on behalf of everyone involved in To Handbrakes and Hairpins, rallying that it’s a welcome addition It’s always an inspiration to work with people that are to our inbox each week and long may H&H passionate in the motoring industry. You give new meaning to continue! this and commend your efforts of this great read! All the best, Rachel Cavers, M-Sport Press Officer I wish Handbrakes and Hairpins many happy events. May this just be the start! - Mark Cronje, Team Sasol Ford Fiesta S2000

H&H is a comprehensive and easy to read source of all the important national and international rally news every week and Evan’s enthusiasm and love for the sport is a great asset to all involved in Rallying. Happy 200th issue from all the Green Fuel team in back in Zimbabwe! - Conrad Rautenbach. Team Greenfuel Ford Fiesta S2000

de by supplying photos many years ago, I know how n issue of H&H off the ground. I have enjoyed every issue 6, and look forward to the next issue to keep me us regionals in the loop, give us some exposure (we red). th issue and may your hard work be rewarded with and where you get all that info just boggles the ubbies, BMW #417

Congrats on your 200th magazine! I Didn’t know you had made that many! Wow...! I must say i’m impressed by your work, and to be able to make your readers enjoy 200 magazines is not easy, but you have done it in style! EvanEvan has developed a highighgqh qququality,ality, knowlknowledgeableedge gable and well researched online Rally newsletter which has qggqgquickly built up a strong following. i Hope to congratulate you many more times in the future, and I always look forward to HeH brings bi news of fS South thAfi African RlliRallying tto ththe world ld whilst hiltbi bringing i a receive a fresh set of handbrakes and hairpins! broad range of worldwide rally news to South African fans and media. - Mads Ostberg, M-Sport Stobart Ford World Rally Teamam As somebody who has Rally interests both in South Africa and around the world this is a much appreciated and respected service. - Paul Turner, International Rally Investor and Management

Dear Evan, It is a great pleasure to congratulate you on achieving the milestone of 200 issues. Your dedication and interest in rallying is appreciated by the whole rally community, cant milestone of rstyour ninety 200th or issue. so issues I have of which I am one proud member. Handbrakes & Hairpins, A hearty congratulations on reaching the signifi rm believer in the Thank you for what you do for Motorsport and specifically to confess that I was a slow starter and probably missed the fi rallying. May there be thousands more issues! before I woke up and discovered what I was missing. From then on Handbrakes & Hairpins has been an essential part of my weekly motorsport reading. I am a fi Regards, power of the electronic media and have no doubt that the next hundred issues, will like those before it, represent essential reading for rally fans all over the world. FRANCOIS PRETORIUS CEO of Motorsport South Africa Kind regards and best wishes for the future, Steve Harding, Chief National Rally Steward, South Afrca Interviews Profi les Service Park Features Technical

Work in progress: M-Sport Poland Words: Rachel Cavers/The Inside Line facilities. Pictures: M-Sport “After each rally the Ford Fiesta R2s return to M-Sport Poland where the cars are M-Sport Poland, based in the city of thoroughly inspected. The gearboxes and Krakow, is the technical headquarters of dampers are fully rebuilt and the team crack- the new six-round feeder series to the WRC test all major suspension components to ensure – the FIA WRC Academy – and was opened maximum reliability. The graphics on the cars at the start of 2011 to help service growing are also refreshed between each rally to ensure demand for the UK-based company’s the very highest levels of presentation for both products within Europe. the WRC Academy and individual sponsors is As the WRC Academy passed the half- provided,” explained Woda. way point, M-Sport project co-ordinator Maciej “ was particularly Woda took time out of his busy schedule to rough on the cars and the team worked outline how the development of M-Sport Poland exceptionally hard on repairing some of the is progressing after six months in operation. engines before Finland. I was pleased to see “Considering the short amount of time that each of these engines performed well whilst between the decision to open the Polish centre over there. I was also delighted to see 14 out in November and having it fully functioning in of the 15 Ford Fiesta R2s fi nish the last WRC February the staff here have done a tremendous Academy round in Germany,” said Woda. job of proving what they are capable of - it has Polish-born Woda started working for all run very smoothly,” said Woda. M-Sport in September 2004. After progressing M-Sport Poland is home to a highly through the ranks as an engineer in the WRC motivated workforce and houses all the facilities team, Woda was a natural choice to run the required for looking after the Ford Fiesta R2 rally programme when it M-Sport decided it would cars competing in this year’s WRC Academy, open up a new operational hub on the continent. and includes a 500 square metre workshop and After a rigorous search process a approximately 100 square metres of storage suitable site for M-Sport’s Poland branch was Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 09

found towards the end of 2010 in cars have plenty of time to be rebuilt as of their course. Past students at the Poland’s second-largest city – Krakow. necessary,” Woda continued. college have found their niche in M-Sport “As well as being one of the The event team of 52 people and have become part of the business, biggest countries in Europe Poland employed to work from Poland are while others have blazed their own trail is also one of the fastest growing supplemented by students from in the world of motorsport. economies. In addition to being Myerscough College in north-west As a result of the initial success responsible for the preparation and England during events which seems of M-Sport’s Polish base, it is expected servicing of the WRC Academy, the appropriate for a series which promotes that the investment in Eastern Europe Polish division of M-Sport helps to form and develops talented young people who will see the branch grow over the part of a longer-term investment to are determined to make their career in following years. grow capacity for the Cumbria-based the WRC. “With M-Sport offering a full company,” explained Woda. Over sixty students were range of rally cars, starting from the “As Krakow is centrally located assessed and ten were selected at the Ford Fiesta MS1 through to the R2, within Europe and has a dynamically start of the year to help assist M-Sport’s S2000, RRC and the top WRC machine, growing transport infrastructure, technical and service teams on WRC I strongly believe we will be able to the new base helps allow M-Sport to Academy rounds. The project sees the expand our markets even further. I communicate more easily with our students demonstrate the skills they fi rmly believe that the experience we are partners in Europe,” he continued. have been learning on their course in a gaining will allow us to accurately tailor Woda also pointed out that practical and hands-on environment. our future facilities and grow M-Sport M-Sport Poland has other key logistical “Much like our team in Poland, Poland into a strong customer support benefi ts: the students we have working on event base,” concluded Woda. “The new base ensures that are very hard-working. We have a M-Sport’s roll-out of its site in less time is spent transporting the Ford group of fantastic, dedicated and highly Poland is one part of a structured, long- Fiesta R2 rally cars back from events, motivated people and we give them the term plan to add to the company’s range allowing more time for the team to work chance to gain an insight into the reality of capabilities and allow it to continue to on the cars back at base.” of working in motorsport,” explained expand its presence in the motorsport “The new workshop is better Woda. sector and automotive industry in the located for WRC Academy rounds where M-Sport has recently supplied coming years. H&H there is a tight turnaround, such as the college with the kit needed for Finland and Germany, as it ensures the students to build a Ford Fiesta R2 as part Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 10

Rautenbach still on top in ARC Words: Staff Writer help us on the second day. It was just crazy and Picture: Motorpics at times extremely dangerous to fi nd big trucks on either sides of the road at high speeds. Zimbabwe’s speed merchant Conrad “Amazingly we were still able to set Rautenbach has maintained the lead of superior stage times to fi nish second overall,’’ the overall standings of the 2011 African said Archenoul told reporters at the end of the Rally Championship series despite fi nishing Kobil Rally of Tanzania on Sunday. Madagascar’s fourth in the Kobil Rally of Tanzania last Ranarivelo shrugged off stiff opposition from weekend. Whyte to win the Kobil Rally title in a dramatic Pre-race favourite Rautenbach (26) fi nish. Navigated by Ranaivamampianini in a fi nished fourth in the tough three-day Tanzanian , Ranarivelo becomes the sixth event, coming home behind Madagascar’s Jean- foreign driver to win the Tanzanian round of the Yves Ranarivelo, Jamie Whyte of Zimbabwe and ARC series after Uganda’s Riyaz Kurji, Belgian Zambia’s Mohammed Essa. Patrick Emontspool, Zambian Muna Singh, Reports from Tanzania had earlier Japanese Hideaki Miyoshi and Zimbabwean indicated that Rautenbach had surrendered his Whyte. lead in the continental championship race to They are also the fi rst-ever set of fellow Zimbabwean Whyte after this event. competitors from Madagascar to win a round of But, Rautenbach still maintains the lead of the FIA-sanctioned series since making their debut in overall standings of the 2011 FIA ARC series the competition early last season. with Rwanda and Madagascar yet to host their “I am very excited and very happy to events. Whyte’s second overall place has helped win my fi rst-ever ARC race.,” said Ranarivelo. him to climb 11 points off Rautenbach’s tally. “The event was good and our car was also good This was clarifi ed this week by Temba despite minor mechanical problems.” Mazvimbakupa of the Zimbabwe Motorsport His victory in one of the most famous Federation. rounds of the ARC series overshadowed the “The winner of each ARC series round gets 25 anticipated battle between Whyte and his points while the second-placed driver gets 18 compatriot Rautenbach, whose interest in the points, the third-placed 15 and the fourth-placed chase for the ARC title was the focal point of the 12. So, by coming fourth in the Kobil Rally of competition. Tanzania at the weekend, Conrad Rautenbach The 2011 ARC series now heads earned 12 points and this should take his tally in to Rwanda for its penultimate round - the the ARC standings to 105 points. And by coming KCB Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally - which second in Tanzania at the weekend, Jamie Whyte is scheduled to run from 30 September to 2 got 18 points. He is still sitting in second place October. H&H with 94 points, but is now trailing Rautenbach by 11 points at the top of the ARC Drivers’ ARC Drivers’ Standings: 01) Conrad Rautenbach (Zimbabwe) - 105pts Standings.” 02) Jamie Whyte (Zimbabwe) - 94pts But Whyte is still on course to win the 03) Jean-Yves Ranarivelo (Madagascar) - 40pts third African title in a row and his co-driver 04) Alan Dethise (Madagascar) - 37pts 05) Mohammed Essa (Zambia) - 30pts Phil Archenoul was pleased with their overall 06) Fredrick Ratokomanga (Madagascar) - 28pts performance during the weekend’s Kobil Rally of 07) Muna Singh (Zambia) - 24pts Tanzania. 08) Schalk Burger (South Africa) - 18pts “Being the fi rst car on the road did not Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 11

Taylor wows in Australia Words: Staff Writer Mark Taylor bought the car in 1990, Picture: Molly Taylor Motorsport just after it won the South Australian Rally Championship. He kept the full-spec 351 In a classic case of keeping it in the family, Cleveland GT engine, but swapped drum young Australian rally star Molly Taylor was brakes for four-wheel discs and added Profl ex in action doing demonstration laps at the suspension, a Phase Three GTHO close-ratio WRC Rally Australia this weekend – in the gearbox and power steering – which made it classic Aussie muscle car her father used to much easier to drive than the Bathurst monsters rally. it was based on. Taylor – who is contesting the World After many years of fun, her father sold Rally Championship Academy development series the car to help Molly achieve her rallying dreams, in Europe – starred on the super special stage of but it hasn’t gone far from the family – it’s now the WRC event in Coffs Harbour in a 1970 XY GT owned by one of Molly’s long-time supporters, Falcon. Dave Thompson of Trenching Systems Australia. The Rally car is a big black BP Corse “Dave has always said it’s mine to drive Plus Ford spitting stones, full lock and full noise, if I want to, so when the opportunity arose to barely audible over the screams and shouts of do some demonstration laps at my ‘home’ WRC delighted spectators. Orginally at the wheel in its event, I jumped at it. prime competition days was Mark Taylor, a driver “I fl ew into Sydney from England on last having as much fun as the people watching. week Saturday morning, turned on my mobile Having tested the Falcon last week, and found a message saying we are going to Molly understood why the car in which her father Wakefi eld Park race track. Yes, I wanted to drive took equal fi rst in the Aussie Car Class of the it, but a few hours’ sleep might have been nice! 1993 Australian Rally Championship holds such a “Still, as soon as I fi red it up, I forgot special place in his heart. about the jetlag. There was a track full of “It’s the fi rst time I have driven a Nissans and Subarus and Evos doing real laps six-litre, V8 rear-wheel drive car. It’s the polar and here’s me going sideways most of the way.” opposite to what I usually drive – they’re both Taylor returns to WRC Academy action Fords, but mine is a front-wheel-drive, 1.6-litre over the weekend of 29 September to 2 October Fiesta R2, so a totally different experience. And I at Round 11 of the WRC series, Rallye de France love it!” Alsace. H&H Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 12

A day in the life of Team Total Words: Evan Rothman to perform at the top level of any sport is Pictures: Evan Rothman & Neil Weideman something to behold, and to sit beside a driver in full control of a rally car sideways The world of top-fl ight South African through a fast sweeping bend is a moment motorsport is an exclusive one. Rallying to savour for life. is a specialised discipline and requires a This is exactly what Total South different set of abilities when compared Africa employees, media and the nine lucky to their counterparts in other forms of competition prize winners revelled in on 7 the sport. To experience the thrills, the September: “A Day in the Life of Team Total.” adrenalin surge and the talent it requires Team Total is South Africa’s largest Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 13

privateer rally team with four crews the screaming engine note or the thick 23 and 24 September in Malmesbury proudly fl ying the fl ag for the oil giant plumes of dust kicked up by the tyres as and Killarney areas of the Western Cape. in the eight-round 2011 South African they hunt for traction in the soft gravel, Rally Championship. Comprised of but in their speechless passengers when Follow Team Total: Mohammed Moosa and Grant Martin they return to the service park. “Wow, For news, stage times and photographs (#9 Team Total Toyota Auris S2000), wow, wow” and “I cannot believe what live from the event, visit us on Facebook Jean-Pierre Damseaux and Carolyn Swan was happening before my eyes” were at http://on.fb.me/pBFCpZ and on (#10 Team Total Toyota Auris S2000), just two of the most common replies Twitter at http://bit.ly/jBLu4j. You may Craig Trott and Robbie Coetzee (#52 when asked about their experience. also fi nd more information at Team Total Toyota RunX S1600) and the SABC1’s Mzansi Insider and Eastern http://www.totalmotortsport.co.za. H&H only all-female crew in South African Mosiac’s bubbly presenters were left rallying Stefanie Botha and Angela at a loss of words after climbing out of Shields (#60 Team Total Toyota RunX the cars. The drivers were all excited S1600), the team contests two Classes that new fans of the sport have been within the National Championship. Class cemented after this event as well as S2000 is our country’s premier rally bringing awareness of Team Total to the category, with a total of 18 of these media’s attention. When asked how he 2.0-litre, four-wheel drive, purpose-built is able to drive a car at it limits, and the machines doing battle on events around car’s capabilities, Damseaux succinctly the country. Class S1600 ranks as the summed it up best: “Welcome to my fastest two-wheel drive Class for 1.6- offi ce.” litre cars that have often fi nished within Having completed six rounds the top ten overall on rallies. thus far of the South African Rally These high-powered cars were Championship, Moosa leads the Team on demonstration at RallyStar Academy Total charge in 13th overall with near Bapsfontein, Gauteng over a tight teammate Damseaux 14th in the overall and twisting stage set out to showcase Drivers’ Standings. Trott is 2nd in Class the abilities of man and machine on S1600 as well as in the Two Wheel Drive the dusty and slippery route. When the Championship and Botha is 12th in rally drivers don their helmets and strap Class S1600 and 14th in the Two Wheel themselves into their cars, the adrenalin Championship’s leader board. is dumped in huge dollops into their After recording two top ten bloodstream and they attack the stage fi nishes in last month’s Garden Route as if it was dependent on a rally win. Rally, Team Total demonstrated their However, the best gauge of this was skills to all. Their focus now turns to the not witnessing the sideways driving, upcoming Toyota Cape Dealer Rally on Event Reports Parc Ferme Results

Topsy Turvy Down Under Words: Evan Rothman Championship battle with Sebastien Loeb/Daniel Pictures: Matt Jelonek for Handbrakes & Hairpins Elena (Citroën Total World Rally Team). Latvala slowed his speed on the fi nal gravel stage of the Citroën lost the WRC Rally Australia. Yes, rally, and so Hirvonen jumped into the lead to that strong statement is bound to upset bag the extra points. a few and yet strike a chord with many These Ford antics would not have though. For the Blue Oval to win here this mattered were it for the lapses in concentration weekend in a straight fi ght, would have from, fi rstly, Sebastien Loeb/ on been a longshot, what with the French SS4 on Day One and then by Sebastien Ogier/ team’s pace on gravel this season. Ford’s Julien Ingrassia (Citroën Total World Rally Team) factory drivers, not to take anything away on SS6. The two French crews both crashed from their fantastic one-two result on this out of the rally on Day One, thus handing Ford demanding rally, kept their team boss and the opportunity to win their fi rst gravel event of sponsors pleased with their consistent 2011. approach and unwavering dedication to This was made all the more easy when winning. it emerged that /Chris Patterson It was a win that rightly belonged to (Petter Solberg World Rally Team) struggled for Finnish stars and grip on the loose and slippery gravel roads of (Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team) after they Day Two in their privateer Citroën DS3 WRC. The charged through the fi nal day of the rally to win factory Citroëns did, however, restart Day Two the event by 14.7sec over teammates Jari-Matti under SupeRally regulations but Loeb and Ogier Latvala/Miika Anttila. Some 30-odd seconds were unable to play a role in this weekend’s behind was the Citroën privateer team of Petter outcome. Solberg/Chris Patterson (Petter Solberg World The two Sebastiens were not the only Rally Team) to claim a second podium result of drivers to succumb to the harsh conditions of the 2011 season. the WRC Rally Australia, as Ken Block/Alex Latvala and Hirvonen swapped leads Gelsomino (Monster World Rally Team) were throughout the rally, but it was Latvala who classifi ed as the fi rst casualties of the rally by ended up fi rst at the overnight halt on Day Two. retiring on SS1 and were unable to restart the Latvala enjoyed a 22.7sec advantage over his event as their Ford Fiesta RS WRC was too teammate, but Ford’s bosses and M-Sport’s team damaged. prinicipal decided on employing strategy to bring Peter van Merksteijn/Eddy Chevallier Hirvonen the extra points needed in his Drivers’ (Van Merksteijn Motorsport), / Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 15

Ilka Minor (M-Sport Stobart Ford World you to my team and also to Jari-Matti Paddon/John Kennard (New Zealand Rally Team), Evgeniy Novikov/Denis for slowing down. I’m back in the game, World Rally Team, PWRC), who claimed Giraudet (M-Sport Stobart Ford World but we have to work really hard now to the Production World Rally Championship Rally Team) and Daniel Oliviera/Carlos improve our pace on Tarmac.” title with their incredible win. Magalhaes () Latvala, who won nine of 26 In a lowly tenth overall was all retired on Day One and took to stages during the weekend, said: “Of Loeb/Elena and fi nished 30min adrift of Day Two under SupeRally conditions. course it would have been great to have the rally winners. Loeb scored one point Van Merksteijn fi mnished 13th overall won the rally but it was a great result for for his eighth Drivers’ Championship title followed by Henning Solberg in 14th the team.” aspirations, but it was teammate Ogier position, while Novikov spectacularly Ford’s second victory of the who slowed his speed to allow Loeb this crashed out of the rally on Day Three. 2011 season (after Hirvonen claimed opportunity to move one place higher on Oliviera’s MINI John Cooper Works WRC the WRC top honours) the fi nal overall leader board. machine proved diffi cult to push to the coincided with the tenth anniversary of Loeb explained the team tactics fi nish line due to mechanical woes, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United after the rally: “On this rally the team he was later sidelined as a result. States which the American fi rm marked made this choice because there is big The two Sebastiens drove the by carrying memorial stickers on its pressure from Mikko who closed the gap wheels off their Citroën DS3 WRCs, with factory machines. a lot in the championship because of our Ogier proving the quicker of the two. On The event was opened with mistake.” the fi nal stages, Ogier slowed his pace unexpected rain on Thursday evening, The WRC next heads to France to enable the seven-times World Rally and this rain continued without pause for the WRC Rallye de France Alsace Champions to overtake to claim a points- throughout Friday’s stages to leave for a showdown of the Sebastiens. This scoring position. Loeb fi nished tenth the gravel roads slippery, muddy and Tarmac event will be followed three overall, with Ogier in 11th. Ogier did, treacherous for all crews. With the fi nal weeks later with the asphalt-based WRC however, set a string of fastest stage day of the rally contested over dry roads RallyRACC Rally of Spain. H&H times on Day Two’s afternoon loop of and under sunny skies, Matthew Wilson/ speed tests. Scott Martin (M-Sport Stobart Ford World The WRC Rally Australia, an Rally Team) claimed their equal career- event run with effi ciency and world- best result in the WRC to fi nish fourth OVERALL CLASSIFICATION: class organisation, was not the WRC overall. Interestingly, Wilson has now 01) M. Hirvonen/J. Lehtinen showcase all fans had anticipated. This scored on eight rallies in 2011 and this Ford Fiesta RS WRC - 03h 35m 59.0s 02) J-M. Latvala/M. Anttila gravel rally, which Loeb had only won weekend’s performance moves him one Ford Fiesta RS WRC + 14.7s once in his career, offered Ford their best step closer to a podium result. 03) P. Solberg/C. Patterson opportunity to defeat their French rivals. The fourth Ford Fiesta RS Citroën DS3 WRC + 44.8s 04) M. Wilson/S. Martin Here they capitalized on their opponents’ WRC home was that of Team Abu Ford Fiesta RS WRC + 08m 45.2s demise, but the Blue Oval teams were Dhabi’s Khalid Al Qassimi/Michael Orr, 05) K. Al Qassimi/M. Orr unable to compare speed on the surface. fi nishing fi fth overall in their best-ever Ford Fiesta RS WRC + 12m 33.3s 06) H. Paddon/J. Kennard Ford, who have yet to confi rm their performance. This pairing was also the Subaru Impreza GpN + 17m 29.3s participation in the series for 2012, last of the WRC runners to not have 07) M. Kosciuszko/M. Szcepaniak claimed four of the top fi ve positions. restarted the WRC Rally Australia at Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X + 19m 01.3s 08) O. Saliuk/P. Cherepin “This is a fantastic feeling and some point under SupeRally regulations. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX + 21m 08.5s a very important result for the team The Abu Dhabi driver fi nished some 09) B. Guerra/B. Rozada and for my Championship chances,” said 12min 30sec behind the winner Hirvonen Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X + 22m 48.9s 10) S. Loeb/D. Elena Hirvonen. “I have to say a big thank and 5min ahead of sixth-placed Hayden Citroën DS3 WRC + 30m 02.9s Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 16

Hutchison/Verlaque win at Carnival City Words: Staff Writer “From a Championship point of view Pictures: Motorpics it was a good result for us, but we were a little lucky,” said Sullwald Sr. “It was a diffi cult event Winning the 4X4 Mega World 400 race this for Quintin, but he did a sterling job.” weekend was the Motorite Revo 4x4 of Evan A fi ne performance saw Marius and Hutchison and debutant co-driver Megan Jolinda Fourie fi nish third overall and win Class Verlaque, who also claimed the win of the P in the PHB BAT. It was also a timely return to Special Vehicles Category. form for the husband-and-wife team who led the Class P Championship before a couple of non- Special Vehicle Category: fi nishes set them back on their heels. Special Vehicle Championship leaders Kallie A fi ne recovery saw Mark Corbett/Rudi and Quintin Sullwald won a skirmish but Balzer (Century Racing CR2) storm through the lost the battle at the 4x4 Mega World 400, fi eld to fi nish fourth ahead of Nick and Ryan Round Six of the Absa Off-Road Racing Harper in the Motorite BAT. Championship that ended at Carnival City The other Century Racing entry, the near Brakpan, Gauteng, yesterday. CR3 driven by Colin Mathews/Alan Smith, was Evan Hutchison, partnered by rookie a major casualty. Matthews/Smith blitzed the co-driver Megan Verlaque in the Motorite Revo Donaldson Prologue, but reliability problems 4x4, scored his fi rst win of the season to revive struck again and they retired with gearbox his Championship hopes. Hutchison moved into problems. second place in the Drivers’ Championship but The other big losers were Hermann second place for the Sullwalds, in the Elegant and Wichard Sullwald, in the Sullwald Racing Fuel Bat, saw the Phalaborwa father-and-son SVR, who started the day lying second in the crew fi nish the day with a 28.5 points cushion at overall Championship. A string of punctures the top of the Championship. saw them eventually fi nish 14th in the Special Hutchison/Verlaque had a comfortable Vehicle Category, and they fi nished the event cushion of around 03min over the Sullwalds after borrowing wheels from Boela Botes/ who are the reigning South African Champions. Johan Pretorius (Botes Vervoer BAT), who were Verlaque, a rally driver who competes in the stranded on the side of the road. South African Rally Championship, was a late A steady run saw Johan van Staden/ replacement for Danie Stassen, and made James Rossouw (Atlas Copco BAT) come in history by becoming the fi rst rookie navigator to behind the Harpers. The Class A crew came in win a national event on debut. sixth ahead of Sun City 400 winners Richard “Megan did a great job under diffi cult Fuller/Geoff Minnitt in the Atlas Copco BAT circumstances, and it was a timely win for me,” running in Class P. said Hutchison. “With two events remaining I still A superb performance took former SA have a chance of catching Kallie, but I have to Off-Road Racing Motorcycle Champion Graham keep winning.” Maclachlan into the top eight in the ageing The Sullwalds, who also fi nished second Connix Koloi. Maclachlan and brother Vivian were on this event last year, nursed the Elegant Fuel also forced to start from near the back of the BAT over the last 70km of the race when an fi eld and did a great job in what was only their oil pressure problem provided them with a few third event. anxious moments. There was another Class P podium place Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 17

for Nick Goslar/Andrew Massey (Men’s factory entries of Duncan Vos/Rob Smalberger were also casualties. Health International Zarco) behind Howie and Anthony Taylor/Chris Birkin That gave Championship the Fouries and Fuller/Minnitt. Fourth and the works Ford Racing Ranger leaders Jack and Sarel Oosthuizen, in a went to Championship leaders Archie of reigning Champions Chris Visser/ Land Rover, a clear run into second in Rutherford/Mike Lawrenson, in the Japie Badenhorst failed to see out the Class D. The Oosthuizens maintained Regent Racing Jimco, who were happy distance. That has left the Production a 100 percent fi nish record, and have to consolidate their position at the top of Vehicle championship poised on a knife taken a fi rm grip on the Championship. the Championship. edge. Down in the Class E A close Class B battle eventually Unoffi cial scoring sees only Championship, leaders Dirk Putter/Koos went to brothers Keith and Andrew nine points separating the top fi ve Claasens (Zizwe Toyota Hilux) extended Makenete in a Zarco. They fi nished crews with two events remaining. The their points lead. A solid performance a minute ahead of Prologue winners Barden Tyres Services Nissan Navara brought in well ahead of Gerald le Roux/ Coetzee Labuscagne and daughter pair of Thomas Rundle/Juan Mohr now Walter Hickley in the Ruwacon Racing Sandra in the Raysonics Zarco. lead the Championship with seventh Ford Ranger. place enough to take them to the top of A suspension problem was a Production Vehicle Category: the table ahead of Vos/Howie and the setback for teenagers Jason Venter/ Pikkie Labuschagne/Rikus Erasmus Regent Racing Navara of Terence Marsh/ Vincent van Alleman in the 4x4 Mega pulled off a major upset when they won George Smalberger. World Toyota Hilux. They started the the Production Vehicle category this Marsh/Smalberger fi nished fi fth, day only 1.5 points behind Putter and weekend. just behind Regent Racing teammates Claasens. H&H Labuschagne/Erasmus are the Mike Whitehouse/Mathew Carlson. reigning Class E Champions and were Whitehouse/Carlson are also in the having only their second outing in the championship picture and trail Vos/ premier SP Class. The pair took control Howie and Marsh/Smalberger by two of the race just before the end of the points. fi rst of two laps that made up the race, A steady drive took the father- and eventually fi nished 63sec ahead of and-son pair of Hugo and Jaap de Bruyn Lance Woolridge/Ward Huxtable in the (Micaren Exel Toyota Hilux) into sixth Team Ford Ranger. place. They edged out Rundle/Mohr who OVERALL CLASSIFICATION: Special Vehicle Category: “We had a comfortable lead battled with powersteering problems. 01) E. Hutchison/M. Verlaque on the second loop when we suddenly Both Castrol Toyota Hilux REVO 4x4 - 05h 31m 06s saw the Ford in our mirrors,” said entries suffered from fuel pressure 02) K-H. Süllwald/Q. Süllwald BAT Spec 4 - 05h 34m 30s Labuschagne. “They were fl ying and we problems, and the same malady put paid 03) M. Corbett/R. Balzer had to pick up our pace. to Hannes Grobler/Hennie ter Stege in CR 4 - 05h 52m 25s “We had a game plan and stuck the RFS BMW X3. Gearbox problems 04) N. Harper/R. Harper BAT Spec 4 - 05h 52m 44s to it, but the major factor was that sidelined Visser/Badenhorst while Gary 05) J. Van Staden/J. Rossouw we never had to get out of the vehicle Bertholdt/Andre Vermeulen rolled the BAT Spec 5 - 05h 53m 03s throughout the race.” Atlas Copco Toyota Hilux early on the Production Vehicle Category: Third were North West crew fi rst loop. 01) P. Labuschagne/R. Erasmus Jannie Visser/Joks le Roux (International With a high rate of attrition in Toyota Hilux - 05h 41m 50s Toyota Hilux), who are former Class E the SP Class, the top eight was rounded 02) L. Woolridge/W. Huxtable Ford Ranger - 05h 42m 53s Champions. Visser/Le Roux were around out by the 4x4 Mega World Toyota Hilux 03) J. Visser/J. Le Roux 06min behind Woolridge/Huxtable, but of reigning Class D Champions Deon Toyota Hilux - 05h 49m 11s for the veteran crew it was their third Venter/Ian Palmer. Both the N1 4x4 04) M. Whitehouse/M. Carlson Nissan Navara - 05h 50m 04s visit to the podium this season. Toyota Land Cruisers of Louis Weichelt/ 05) T. Marsh/G. Smalberger Both the Castrol Toyota Hilux Francis Boersma and Cliff Weichelt/Johan Nissan Navara - 05h 52m 13s Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 18

L’Estage cruises to victory at Rallye Defi Words: Staff Writer “Everyone on the team worked really Pictures: Andrew Harvey Photography hard to get here, and to be excluded is really frustrating,” said Richard after the event. The Antoine L’Estage and Nathalie Richard knew DNF puts Richard at a huge disadvantage in the that the 2011 Rallye Defi would be won on Canadian Rally Championship points. the fi rst two stages of the event. Richard’s exclusion meant L’Estage’s “That’s what happened last year,” said lead opened up to 2min 20sec over “Crazy” Leo L’Estage. “We took maybe 45sec lead there last Urlichich, who had problems of his own. year and managed that to the end.” “I broke an axle on the fi rst stage, as This year, the team opened up a lead is becoming tradition,” joked Urlichich. “Then we over the fi rst two stages, though only 3.9sec had problems with the differentials and so I was over Pat Richard and Leanne Junnila. However, going pretty slowly.” an error forced Richard/Junnila to cover extra Urlichich and co-driver Martin Brady distance prior to the fi rst stage, and the team regained their pace on Saturday’s stages winning ran out of fuel after the fi rst stage. They were multiple stages, but still struggling with pacenote towed to the refueling location – against the issues and a bad fl at tire on the fourth stage of rules – and continued in the rally. the day. “We broke the suspension on the second “We have been trying a new system, stage, and fi xed it in service,” said Richard, who and initially it was good, but now that I’m getting was able to get back on pace over the afternoon faster, it doesn’t seem as consistent.” stages. However, at the end of Friday’s action, Leo and Brady eventually fi nished L’Estage had opened up a 10sec lead on Richard, second, matching his career best fi nish. but that would become moot as Richard/Junnila L’Estage and Nathalie Richard spent were excluded from the event for getting the most of the second day managing their lead to tow. a winning margin of 03min 39.2sec, marking Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 19

L’Estage’s sixth career win at Defi , and saw an incredible two-wheel drive battle with the Pacifi c Forest Rally, in Merritt, the team’s seventh consecutive win in that fi nished with just 2sec separating B.C., September 30 – August 1, 2011. Canada. the fi rst and second place teams. This This event can be considered Richard’s “We’ve clinched the North year, no such battle emerged. Jan and home rally, but L’Estage won the event American Rally Cup here as well,” said Jody Zedril won the two-wheel drive in 2010. H&H L’Estage. “That makes it my fourth, and Class after their strongest competitors for Nathalie, her seventh.” had problems. Steven Hobbs, who fi nished “We really were looking forward on the podium at Defi in 2009, after to a great battle,” said Jan Zedril. “When starting 29th, appeared to be on a we knew that Eric Grochowski was out similar run, moving up to third by and Simon Dube was so far back after midday Saturday, partly through his own damaging his car, it took some of the speed and attrition in the fi eld. Hobbs fun out of it. Instead, we just have to crashed out on the Montepellier stage, see how we can do against the all wheel retiring from the rally. drive cars.” Rounding out the podium were The Zedrils suffered a fl at tire Craig Henderson/Lyne Murphy. The on the second stage, and intermittent pair had struggled early in the event, intercom problems, but with no threat with the car being down on power, but to their position, stayed smooth and once they had it fi xed, they worked up calm to fi nish 14th overall, nearly 9min OVERALL CLASSIFICATION: through the order to fi nish a comfortable ahead of Simon Dube and co-driver Pat 01) A. L’Estage/N. Richard – 01h 17m 28.0s third place. Lavigne. 02) L. Urlichich/M. Brady – 01h 21m 07.2s “We had problems on the fi rst “After we knew Dube was off 03) C. Henderson/L. Murphy – 01h 23m 30.9s 04) M. Losier/P. Poirier – 01h 23m 51.2s two stages, the car was only on three the pace, it was ok,” said Jan Zedril. “We 05) M. Bourassa/D. Paquette – 01h 24m 25.8s cylinders,” said Henderson. “Once that had a few problems, but didn’t have to 06) U. Desgreniers/E. Kirby – 01h 24m 34.9s was solved, then we were able to drive push, and just tried to match last year’s 07) M. Labrie/R. Labrie – 01h 25m 01.4s 08) N. Mathew/K. Mathew – 01h 25m 19.6s much better.” times, which we did.” 09) S. Losier/A. Madon – 01h 26m 09.9s The 2010 edition of Rallye Defi The 2011 season continues 10) S. Vincent/S. Vincent – 01h 26m 42.6s Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 20

Kopecky wins closest ever IRC rally Words: Staff Writer corner over a crest, and where it tightened a Pictures: IRC Media little there was gravel all over the road. It was a repeat of a stage we’d done this this morning, Skoda Motorsport’s Jan Kopecky won the and the fi rst time through there was no gravel. 45th Canon Mecsek Rallye by the smallest Even on the second run there was a nothing on margin in the history of the Intercontinental the road until that point. When we hit the gravel Rally Challenge (IRC) after a dramatic fi nal there was no grip at all and we slid off the road day of action. In an event marked by close in sixth gear and hit a tree. We are getting so battles throughout the fi eld, Team Peugeot close to winning a rally now, it’s just a shame we Belgium-Luxembourg’s couldn’t fulfi l it here.” won the fi nal stage but lost out to the Czech The battle for the lead between the driver overall by just 0.8sec. Skoda teammates wasn’t the only story of the Right up until the penultimate stage, event. Peugeot’s Thierry Neuville was third this rally looked like it belonged to Skoda UK’s overall and began the Day Two within striking Andreas Mikkelsen. The Day One rally leader distance of the leader. There could be no started Day Two strongly, built an advantage question of team orders up front as Neuville with a commanding early stage win, then backed racked up a succession of stage wins, and off too much on the fi rst stage of the afternoon after Mikkelsen’s retirement Neuville ended the on Day Two. With the pressure back on, 6.2km penultimate stage 8.1sec behind new leader into SS13 Mikkelsen slid wide on gravel in a fast Kopecky. right-hand corner and the back of his car hit a To close the gap over the remaining tree. He was able to keep the heavily damaged 17.7km would be a tall order, and so it proved. Fabia S2000 moving until the next junction, Neuville won the fi nal stage convincingly but fell where he was able to park it safely. just short of overall victory, by 0.8sec. Could “We had the perfect weekend up until they have snatched victory in the fi nal stage? stage thirteen,” he said. “We had led from the Neuville and co-driver will be start, I was driving smart, Ola [Floene] was pondering that between now and the next round. doing an amazing job and the car was faultless. “Unfortunately I absolutely wanted to I’m so disappointed about what happened. Our modify a pace note in a very fast section, and rally came to an end on an uphill fast right-hand I didn’t have time to tell him the pace note for Issue 200 • 12 September 2011 • Page 21

afterwards,” said Gilsoul. “The corner ultimately passing more experienced issues that hindered him on Day One. tightened so we had a big moment. But entrants on merit. By Day Two’s morning Beppo Harrach rounded out Thierry has very good car control and we he was posting stage times well within the top ten in a Ralliart Lancer Evolution had a bit of luck.” the top ten, and was fourth quickest IX, though Karl Kruuda - who suffered Freddy Loix brought his BFO- over the last two stages. a puncture in SS12 - was just 2.1sec Skoda home third. Having shown speed It was only on the penultimate behind after the fi nal stage. H&H on Day One, he couldn’t hit the same stage that Gassner unseated local heights on the second. IRC Production Cup entrant Gyorgy “It’s a combination of factors,” Aschenbrenner, who used his local he said. “The feeling of the car is better, knowledge to remarkable effect. I have a good feeling but I’m losing a Regularly setting top ten stage times few seconds here and there. I can see aboard his Ralliart Lancer Evolution IX, where I’m losing but I can’t react for the Aschenbrenner delighted the local fans stage after, so it’s always the same silly and drew one of the biggest crowds in mistakes. It’s not a question of gravel on the Service Park. the road. If I feel well, like in the Barum Brake problems on the fi rst Rally, gravel is no problem. It’s more day consigned Toni Gardemeister to about being on the big attack and about the lower portion of the top ten, and OVERALL CLASSIFICATION: confi dence.” his counter-attack this morning was 01) J. Kopecky/P. Stary Confi dence had been a problem hindered by a misfi re on SS1. On Day Skoda Fabia S2000 - 02h 00m 06.7s 02) T. Neuville/N. Gilsoul for Peugeot France’s Bryan Bouffi er on Two’s afternoon, though, the TGS + 0.08s the Day One as he struggled with setup Worldwide Skoda came on song and 03) F. Loix/F. Miclotte issues and lack of trust in the veracity Gardemeister had no complaints. Skoda Fabia S2000 + 01m 00.0s 04) B. Bouffi er/X. Panseri of his pace notes. On Day Two he was Hungarian entrant Robert Peugeot 207 S2000 + 01m 25.6s within the top fi ve on every stage, but Butor fi nished eighth after a strong 05) H. Gassner Jr/T. Gottschalk the overall gap to the leaders was too run, beating several IRC regulars Skoda Fabia S2000 + 02m 32.5s 06) G. Aschenbrenner/P. Zsuzsa great for the Rallye Monte Carlo winner in his Peugeot 207 S2000: “We are Ralliart Lancer Evo IX + 02m 38.2s to overcome. very happy. For us the Hungarian 07) T. Gardemeister/T. Suominen Fifth fell to Hermann Gassner championship was the most important Skoda Fabia S2000 + 03m 05.6s 08) R. Butor/I. Bacigal Jr in only his second asphalt rally in and in this we are second, so it’s good.” Peugeot 207 S2000 + 03m 16.8s the Red Bull Skoda. Gassner improved Bruno Magalhaes was ninth in 09) B. Magalhaes/P. Grave continuously throughout the event, the Portugal 207 S2000, Peugeot 207 S2000 + 03m 51.7s 10) B. Harrach/A. Schindlbacher beginning just outside the top ten and having solved the setup and gear ratio Ralliart Lancer Evo IX + 02m 38.2s