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SStarttart RampRamp Cetinkaya sets new records SServiceervice ParkPark FordFord ssignsigns new crew, crew commits commits to WRC WRC fufutureture PParcarc FermeFerme REARVIEW: Hot and dusty

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The world’s only free dedicated rally eMagazine - every week! Contents IIssuessue 214214 • 1919 DecemberDecember 20112011 0044 STARTSTART RAMPRAMP 04 News briefs EEDITORIALDITORIAL INFORMATIONINFORMATION 05 Habig sets the cat among the pigeons Editor Evan Rothman

0066 SERVICESERVICE PARKPARK 06 MINI wins Rally Car of Year award 08 207 S2000 development continues 09 Al-Attiyah signs with Citroën Racing Photojournalist Eva Kovkova 10 Ford commits to WRC, signs new crew

1122 PARCPARC FERMEFERME 12 REARVIEW: Hot and dusty Contributors Liga Stirna, Patrick Vermaak, RallyBuzz, Motorpics, Newspress.

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.

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Team News Event News Start Ramp Videos Breaking News BRC for 2012 is hotting up Words: BRC Media

The opening round of the 2012 MSA British Rally Championship season, Rallye Sunseeker International, has teamed up with the Goodwood Festival of Speed to offer some excellent incentives on next season’s event. Organisers of the Dorset & Hampshire based rally, new to the BRC in 2011, are offering invitations to the world renowned motoring celebration for class winners on Rallye Sunseeker. The fantastic opportunities don’t stop there though, as the overall winners of the British Rally Championship’s support series, the BRC Challenge, and the new Production BRC and all the 2011 FIA Champions were will also have the chance to attend the Cetinkaya invited to the awards. Goodwood event, which runs from 29 For the rally category awards June – 1 July. moves ahead went to the World Champions, Sébastien Rallye Sunseeker Manager Words: IRC Series Loeb and Daniel Elena, on the podium Rick Smith and his Southern Car Club were also present Hirvonen/Lehtinen team have organised and run the rally After becoming the fi rst female and Ogier/Ingrassia. stage at Goodwood for several years, driver to score points in the For the SWRC, PWRC and previously offering a place to the highest Intercontinental Rally Challenge WRC Academy categories, awards placed junior or group N driver in recent with a top 10 fi nish in Scotland in went to Finn Juho Hanninen, New years. 2010, Burcu Cetinkaya set another Zealand’s Hayden Paddon and Irishman “After several ad-hoc BRC benchmark in her native Turkey last Craig Breen, for the title of European crews attended the Festival in 2011, month. Champions, Luca Rossetti and Matteo we decided to organise something By fi nishing third overall on the Chiarcossi, for other continental more structured for next year.” explains Hitit Rally, the 30-year-old from Istanbul titles awards went to Al-Attiyah and Smith. “Following discussions with the became the fi rst female driver to claim a Bernacchini, Rautenbach and Klinger, Goodwood organisers we have been able podium fi nish on a national event in her McRae and Hayes, Orlandini and to secure these invitations and a specifi c homeland. Zuloaga, Saba and Aguilera. British Rally Championship presence Co-driven by Unal Tezel, During the Gala all the other within the rally stage area.” Cetinkaya had to overcome a number of categories of FIA champions were also BRC Manager Mark Taylor mechanical problems to win her class in rewarded, beginning with Sebastian added, “This is a brilliant opportunity for a Skoda Fabia S2000. H&H Vettel, Formula One World Champion. the winners to showcase their talents “It’s the third time I win this in front of a massive audience. It will award,” said Luca Rossetti. “But, it is not only help to promote the individual always very exciting to take part in the crews, but it will further enhance the FIA Award Gala, it is gratifying for me BRC’s worldwide status.” He concluded, to be here in New Delhi, in the presence “With the average age of BRC drivers of Jean Todt, FIA President, of Bernie just 24 years in 2011 and more Rossetti wins Ecclestone and all the top executives prominence given to the junior crews of the motorsport world, the third next year, Goodwood’s 2012 theme of European title, was sought and wanted ‘Young Guns – Born to win’ is also a another trophy by me and my staff. I dedicate this Words: Staff Writer perfect fi t with Britain’s premier rally victory to all those who have worked championship.” with me, to ABARTH, which gave me The Abarth crew, Luca Rossetti and Rallye Sunseeker International confi dence by providing always a Matteo Chiarcossi, received their kicks off the 2012 MSA British Rally powerful and competitive car.” awards as 2011 European Rally Championship on Poole Quay on Friday The high instances of the FIA Champions by the FIA (Federation 24th February. meeting in New Delhi, discussed the Internationale de l’Automobile), Tickets for the 2012 Goodwood main issues regarding the future of during the award ceremony, held Festival of Speed are available from motorsport worldwide. In his opening last week in New Delhi, in the http://www.goodwood.com / +44 1243 speech, the president of the FIA, Jean majestic and magnifi cent ”The 755055. Todt, wanted to highlight the great Kingdom of Dreams.” For more information on the progress achieved in the fi eld of safety Alongside them was Pier MSA British Rally Championship visit on the track during the last season. Liberali, the owner of United Business, http://www.rallybrc.co.uk. H&H However, to the congratulations for this a company that ensures since several important milestone was also added years the sports management of the an encouragement to do more in order three-time European Rally Champion. to avoid tragedies like those of Dan For the fi rst time, this ceremony that Wheldon and Marco Simoncelli of last traditionally took place in recent years October. H&H in Monte Carlo, has been organized in India, in New Delhi. There were representatives of all the disciplines which run under the auspices of the FIA Issue 214 • 19 December 2011 • Page 05

Habig shocks rally world, starts up team Words: Staff Writer He clinched the fi rst of six SA Rally Picture: Motorpics Drivers Championships behind the wheel of the privateer Golf. He became a works driver for VW Six-times South African Rally Champion, from 1997, and won a further fi ve SA National Jan Habig has decided not to rally Rally Championships. Since this time he has with Volkswagen South Africa for the received full sponsorship and support and been a 2012 season. Habig has had a twenty force to be reckoned with through his illustrious year relationship with the Uitenhage career. based manufacturer, and won all six “When one refl ects on the past twenty championships behind the wheel of a VW odd years with Volkswagen, I have to say that rally car. it has been a diffi cult decision, because I have “It has been a privilege to be associated become part of the Volksie family,” said Habig. with Volkswagen South Africa, and I feel very The Volkswagen Motorsport Department needs to honoured to have worked with the Management, be congratulated on their excellent performances not only in the Motorsport Department,” said over the past years, clinching the coveted SA Habig. “It is very diffi cult to single out any one Rally Championship six years in a row.” “I have person, but I feel I have to pay tribute to André to place on record, my sincere appreciation to van der Watt, Head of Motorsport, who had the Marketing Department and the Motorsport the confi dence in me and welcome me into the Department for their dedication, expertise and Volkswagen Team in 1990.” “Then there are commitment to the success of the VW Rally the technicians who are the unsung heroes in Team,” added Habig. rallying – their support and hard work over the “I will not be hanging up my gloves, and years contributed to winning championships.” I am not ready to retire yet,” said Habig. “When Habig started his Volkswagen the 2012 season starts off with the Tour Natal association in 1993 behind the wheel of the in March, I will be on the starting line,” added Volkswagen Golf, as a privateer with limited Habig. “An announcement outlining my 2012 sponsorship from Volkswagen. Ever since he has rally plans will be made shortly.” H&H been faithful to the marque, and took his fi rst championship way back in 1997. Interviews Profi les Service Park Features Technical

MINI wins Rally Car of the Year award Words: Evan Rothman year for the new car, which has seen it exceed Pictures: Evan Rothman all expectations, taking podium positions in the World Rally Championship as well as numerous The MINI John Cooper Works World Rally successes in international rallies around the Car has been named Rally Car of the Year globe. at the Autosport awards in London, the “This award caps what has been a truly most prestigious event in the motorsport memorable debut year for MINI in the World industry calendar. Rally Championship,” said Prodrive chairman, The award follows an exceptional debut David Richards. “ we never anticipated that we Issue 214 • 19 December 2011 • Page 07

would be fi ghting for podiums so soon, ground in Warwickshire on September 1 Dr. Kay Segler, head of MINI, let alone leading WRC events, as we did 2010. who collected the Autosport award with in France. This award is a testament In addition to the two Works David Richards, said: “Wherever MINI to the dedication of the whole team Team cars, Prodrive has supported as has competed this year, it has seemed behind the project in Banbury and the many as four further customer cars in like all the fans have been cheering us commitment of BMW and MINI who have several World Rally Championship events on. It is therefore fi tting that it is the fully supported the programme.” this year. By the end of 2011, 15 MINIs fans and readers of Autosport that have Prodrive started development will have been delivered to customers voted the MINI WRC as the Rally Car of of a new World Rally Car in early 2009, and in 2012 it’s anticipated that there the Year.” H&H but it wasn’t until 18 months later that will be as many as 80 car starts for the MINI John Cooper Works WRC ran customer MINIs in the World Rally for the fi rst time at Prodrive’s proving Championship. Issue 214 • 19 December 2011 • Page 08

207 S2000 development continues Words: Staff Writer enable us to comply with the regulations, while Picture: Motorpics at the same time bringing a performance gain to the existing version on both asphalt and gravel.” No winter break is planned at Peugeot The performance gain concerns the car’s Sport where the off-season period will handling and effi ciency. “The most notable gain above all be devoted to development work will be its cornering stability, especially through on the 207 S2000. faster corners on asphalt,” continues Bertrand Despite the break in the competitive Vallat. “We have also profi ted from the changes calendar, work is ongoing at Peugeot Sport to to introduce some minor bodywork modifi cations improve the performance of its cars and meet which will help brake cooling. Air fl ow round the the demand of its customers. A number of wheel arches has been optimised, too.” engine and chassis evolutions are in the process Since its launch in 2007, the 207 Super of being introduced and are due to be tested 2000 has claimed a long list of wins and titles at shortly. The 207’s wider dimension has also national and international level and it still has a necessitated small changes to the car’s exterior competitive career ahead of it. The 100th car is styling. due to rollout of Peugeot Sport’s workshops in a “The 207 S2000 will be widened by few weeks’ time. H&H 20mm,” notes Bertrand Vallat, manager of the 207 S2000’s design and development. ”That will Issue 214 • 19 December 2011 • Page 09

Al-Attiyah signed to Citroën Racing Words: Staff Writer Principal: “We’re pleased to announce the Picture: Citroën Racing arrival of Nasser Al-Attiyah at Citroën Racing. He’s a complete all-round driver who already Citroën Racing is delighted to announce has considerable experience as proved by his the arrival of Nasser Al-Attiyah in its team. impressive results. We’re delighted that he’s From Rally Sweden onwards, the driver chosen our team to make his debut in a from Qatar will be at the wheel of a Citroën World Rally Car, and we’re determined to put all DS3 WRC identical to those of Sébastien our support behind him to help him move up to Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen. the top level.” In addition to the two cars entered by Nasser Al-Attiyah: “I’m very happy to the Citroën Total World Rally Team for Sébastien fulfi ll what’s been both a dream and a sporting Loeb/Daniel Elena and Mikko Hirvonen/Jarmo objective. We’ve done a lot of work on this Lehtinen, Citroën Racing will run another DS3 project in the past few months and I’d like WRC for Nasser Al-Attiyah/Giovanni Bernacchini. to thank Raouf Menhem for his involvement Nasser Al-Attiyah, winner of the 2011 alongside me. I can’t wait to get to know the Dakar, is no stranger to the WRC. The Qatari has team better and to test the DS3 WRC. It’s still raced in 46 rounds since 2004, and in 2006 he a bit early to fi x myself objectives as I’m won the P-WRC title for production cars so he counting on acquiring experience not only with has considerable rallying experience, which he the engineering squad, but also with drivers hopes to put to good use with Citroën Racing. as talented as Sébastien Loeb and Mikko Nasser Al-Attiyah has just won his Hirvonen. I think I’ll be able to score good seventh FIA Middle East Rally Championship title. results in the toughest rallies like Greece, for Nassar, who is also a distinguished sportsman, example. I also feel it’s a very positive step that will make his debut in Rally Sweden after the WRC is being opened up to longer events. defending his Dakar title. In addition, he will The experience I’ve gained in the Dakar will represent his country in the London Olympic certainly be very useful as endurance skills are Games in clay pigeon shooting. of supreme importance in these rallies.” H&H Olivier Quesnel, Citroën Racing Team Issue 214 • 19 December 2011 • Page 10

Ford commits to WRC, signs new crew Words: Staff Writer who have signed a one-year agreement to Picture: Ford of Europe drive the team’s second Fiesta RS WRC in all 13 rounds. The experienced Solberg won the world Ford of Europe announced last week it is title in 2003 and the 37-year-old Norwegian has extending its participation in the FIA World 13 world rally wins to his name. It will be his Rally Championship into 2012 and 2013. second stint with Ford, having launched his world Long-term partner M-Sport, the rally career with the team in 1999. British-based preparation company, which has The squad will be named Ford World successfully operated Ford’s WRC activities since Rally Team and will retain support from long- 1997, will continue to operate the programme term partner Castrol for both 2012 and 2013. from its state-of-the-art facilities at Dovenby Hall Ford has a long and successful heritage in north-west England. in rallying. It is second in the all-time wins list The Fiesta RS World Rally Car will with 79 world rally victories and its run of 145 continue as Ford’s WRC fl agship in 2012 and consecutive points fi nishes, dating back to the 2013. The car, based on the successful Fiesta opening round of the 2002 championship, is the road car, claimed a clean sweep of the podium in longest in the sport’s history. both the fi rst and fi nal rounds of its debut season Ford of Europe chairman and CEO this year. Stephen Odell highlighted the strong will of all Finland’s Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver parties to continue in the WRC. Miikka Anttila, who topped the world rankings for “Ford has a rich history in world rallying special stage victories in 2011 and won the fi nal and we’re excited to continue fi ghting for titles round of the championship in Britain last month, on the world stage with our great partners at are confi rmed as team leaders for 2012. M-Sport,” said Odell. “WRC is a great fi t with They will be partnered by former world the Ford brand DNA of precise handling, fun- champion Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson, to-drive cars with leading technology and we’ll Issue 214 • 19 December 2011 • Page 11

continue to leverage rallying to inspire regarded by many as the fastest driver at Dovenby Hall, will allow us to do that.” innovation in future vehicles and reach in WRC, this year he showed consistency M-Sport recently completed its new audiences.” and expertise on all surfaces. We believe ladder of opportunity, adding a fi rst rung Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s he will fl ourish in his new role as Ford’s to complete a structured path to take senior manager for motorsport, team leader, and look forward to seeing young and talented rally drivers from emphasised what WRC competition his pace light up the special stages the grass-roots to the top level in Ford means to Ford. around the world. Fiestas. From the entry-level MS1 car, “The WRC is motorsport’s “The addition of Petter Solberg drivers can progress via the increasingly toughest competition for production- to the team brings one of the sport’s more powerful R2, S2000 and Regional based cars,” he said. Through WRC, we most experienced and fl amboyant Rally Car models to the top-billing World can convey the attributes of our road drivers back to the team where he Rally Car. vehicles and send a clear message to our started his top-level career. A drivers’ “Ford has fi ve different Fiesta customers and fans about Ford’s passion world title and 13 world rally victories models in which drivers with potential and expertise. are testament to his abilities and his vast can graduate from entry level to the “We feel that the timing for experience will be a great asset to our WRC. This ladder is the breeding ground our announcement is right. We had to line-up,” added Quinn. of Ford’s future stars, and in the next be confi dent about the stability of the Wilson, M-Sport managing seasons we will see drivers with ability championship and to ensure it continues director and team director, said the new climb it and begin to emerge at the top,” to provide great value and increased deal was a vote of confi dence in his he added. H&H exposure globally. We discussed it with company. our stakeholders and after receiving “The performance of the Fiesta such assurances we look forward to RS WRC in 2011 was strong on all focusing on competition once again,” surfaces and I’m genuinely excited about said Quinn. what we can achieve in the future,” he “We have a great team with said. “We want to challenge for world M-Sport and its leader, Malcolm Wilson, titles and I have no doubts that our car and in Jari-Matti Latvala we have one and driver combination, allied to the of motorsport’s rising stars. Already infrastructure and expertise of our staff Event Reports Parc Ferme Results

REARVIEW: Hot and dusty Words: Evan Rothman The third installment in our project Pictures: WorldRallyPics, Citroën Racing for the coming months is a look back at the WRC Argentina and the WRC Acropolis Rally - Now that the 2011 World Rally Greece, and we will continue to work backwards Championship has come to an exciting through the year to bring you the passion and end, and the sport has rewarded its most the glory that is rallying at world competition successful sons, Handbrakes & Hairpins level as captured through the camera lenses of looks back on the season to the most the world’s most respected and admired sports critical moments. photographers. H&H