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The Pirtek Rally Team has completed
preparations for this weekend's Rally South Australia with a full day's
test in the Barossa Valley.
Michael Guest and Darren Windus
tried a number of different set-ups on the Super 2000 Ford Fiesta as
well as evaluating tyre options from Michelin.
An alternator gremlin caused some
minor grief for Guest, but he was able to complete the test and is
looking forward to the weekend.
"Better to have an issue in a
test rather than the event," said Guest.
"It wasn't ideal, but we got
on with what we wanted to achieve and it's looking very good for the
weekend.
"The car is continually being
improved and as a driver that gives me confidence going into the
event."
Windus enjoyed a trouble-free run
and was delighted with the day. It's been two months since Windus and
Guest last drove the Fiestas at the Rally of Canberra.
"It was a good day, especially
after being out of the seat for such a long time," said Windus.
"We tried a number of set-ups
and importantly we have settled on something we believe will be very
good.
"There's some talk of rain
over the course of the weekend. That will not be a big problem for us
as we've proved that the handling of these cars is very good."
Pirtek Rally Team Chief Engineer
Marcus Clarke was happy with the day.
"The issues with Michael's car
was somewhat frustrating, but we made ground with Darren's
Fiesta," said Clarke.
"The important thing is that
we understand what needs to be addressed and we'll do that in the two
days heading into the event.
"Working with Michelin has
given us a much better understanding of the tyres ahead of the weekend.
That's going to be very important, especially if it does rain.
"The experience we gained from
running in the wet in Western Australia earlier this year has us in a
positive frame of mind if we encounter rain."
The Pirtek Rally Team will have one
more shakedown on Friday morning.
During that final run the Pirtek
Rally Team will take Australian Test cricket bowlers Shaun Tait and Dan
Cullen for rides in the S2000 Fiesta. Tait will no doubt enjoy the
speed, while Cullen will be more interested in the amount of turn from
the Fords.
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