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The Super 2000 Ford Fiesta has a
bright future after the Pirtek Rally
Team made the world debut of the
car at the opening round of the
NEC Australian Rally Championship,
the Coates Rally Queensland.
The highlight of the weekend was
fifth pace outright in heat #2 for
Darren Windus and Jon Mortimer.
Michael Guest and Mark Stacey were
11th at the completion of leg #1,
but were running as high as fourth.
Throughout the event both cars set
times in the top five.
A program that was completed in
just 18 weeks, including design
and construction was without doubt
a massive achievement for the team.
After completing just 70 kilometres
in pre-event testing on Thursday
before the rally, it was not surprising
that both cars experienced a range
of issues throughout the event.
This included a broken gearbox for
Windus on leg #1 and power steering
failure for Guest on leg #2.
However, under the regulations both
cars were able to complete each
leg of competition, and score valuable
points in the ARC championship.
More importantly was the information
gained by the crew to further improve
the cars for future events.
"This has been a very good start
for the Pirtek Rally Team," said
Windus.
"There have been plenty of challenges
throughout the weekend, but overall
we are very pleased with what we
have achieved. "For me it's been
a massive learning experience, as
a driver it was a totally new car
to get on top of as well as work
with a professional organisation
for the first time.
"The car is excellent to drive.
Along with the team we know there's
plenty to come and we are looking
forward to making great gains throughout
the year."
Michael Guest had no doubt the car
has enormous potential.
"We have only scratched the surface
with the Fiesta," said Guest.
"The Pirtek Rally Team has the right
vehicle, but also the crew to make
improvements for the upcoming events.
"For me this weekend was about getting
back into a quality all-wheel-drive
rally car. I'm sure we can get on
top of this car going forward.
"We can look forward with confidence
for the next event in Western Australia."
Team owner Jason Bright had plenty
of praise for the Pirtek Rally Team.
"I was impressed with the speed
of the car, but more importantly
how this team met all the challenges,"
said Bright. |
