Mayo Single Stage 2002
The first Single Stage Rally of 2002 will be held in Mayo on Sunday 13th
January.
The restricted Single Stage based in Westport at the Castlecourt
Hotel follows on from the successful event held in Achill last October.
Hosts, Mayo & District Motorsport Club, have come up with a challenging 10
mile route which takes in one of the classic stages used by the Circuit of
Ireland in the past
Regulations are now available from
Event Secretary,
Caroline Morrow on 096 36227.
Cork Single Stage Preview
Sunday's Cork Motor Club Imokilly Single Stage Rally has attracted entries from all over the country and 131 crews will start what will possibly be County Cork's only tarmac stage rally this year.
Top seed is Frank O'Mahony who has replaced his regular navigator Hugh McPhillips in favour of his son Brian for this event. The Carrigaline team are hoping the agility of the Metro 6R4 will see them top the timesheets at the end of this sprint event.
Ray Breen and Podge Newe, Subaru Impreza, have seen two single stage events slip out of their grasp to date with slow starts, so the Kilkenny pair will look to be right on the pace from the beginning on Sunday while third seeds Richie Curran and Owen Cleary, Escort Cosworth, who had already won their home event in Carrick on Suir will hope to be on the pace in East Cork also. Tommy Graham and Finbarr Mangen, having had to play second fiddle in Achill, will be out to prove a point in their Escort WRC while Liam McCarthy and Kieran Murphy will be anxious to get Toyota back to winning ways with their Celica
Visitors from Ballyhaunais Rory O'Connor and Francis Kenny, Escort WRC could be the crew to cause a few upsets on Sunday while the local crews of Liam Davis/Billy Kelleher, and Barry Coleman/Hugh McPhillips, both in Subaru Imprerzas will be out to impress on home ground. At 9 is the first of the 2WD cars. Jimmy Lambert and James Coleman will certainly be one to watch in their Escort MkII while another local crew Donal O'Brien/Greg McCarthy have had the engine of their Escort MkII specially re-built for the event.
John O'Leary/Michael Coleman at 11 head a trio of Imprezas followed by Colm Doyle/Michael Maher and Godfrey Kirby/Robert Tynan. Others in the top 20 inlcude David Percy, Wesley Patterson, John Hickey, Terence Teggart, Stephen Carway, Kieran Molloy and Gerry McVeigh. The schedule for the event will see all cars attend scrutiny on Saturday afternoon in Midleton where all will go through a disenfectant process because of F&M precautions.
First car leaves parc ferme on Sunday morning at 10.30 after which all competitors will get one reconnacance run over the 10-mile stage.
This will be followed by three timed runs with the first stage starting at 12 noon with the second at 1.30pm and the third scheduled for 3 pm.
The winners are due back at the finish at the Midleton Arms Hotel at 4 pm.
.
Top Seeds
1. Frank O'Mahony/Brian O'Mahony (Carrigaline) Metro 6R4 15
2. Ray Breen/Podge Newe (Kilkenny) Subaru Impreza 8
3. Richie Curran/Owen Cleary (Carrick on Suir) Escort Cosworth 15
4. Tommy Graham/Finbarr Mangen (Kildare) Escort WRC 8
5. Liam McCarthy/Kieran Murphy (Dunmanway) Toyota ST205 15
6. Rory O'Connor/Francis Kenny (Ballyhaunais) Escort WRC 8
7. Liam Davis/Billy Kelleher (Rochestown) Subaru Impreza 8
8. Barry Coleman/Hugh McPhillips (Cork) Subaru Impreza 8
9. Jimmy Lambert/James Coleman (Clonmel) Escort MkII 13
10. Donal O'Brien/Greg McCarthy (Cork) Escort MkII 14
11. John O'Leary/Michael Coleman (Glamire) Subaru Impreza 4
12. Colm Doyle/Michael Maher (Kilkenny) Subaru Impreza 4
14. Godfrey Kirby/Robert Tynan (Midleton) Subaru Impreza 15
15. David Percy/Owen Percy (Tipperary) Escort MkII
Burns the center of contract tussle
Just a day after clinching the World Rally Championship, Richard Burns woke up this morning (Monday) to a contractual wrangle over his services for next year between current employers Subaru and manufacturers' title winners Peugeot.
Last month, Peugeot announced that Burns would be joining its ranks for 2002 and '03, a matter of days after Subaru had announced that Tommi Makinen was joining its line up next year.
But Burns is believed to have a clause in his contract with Subaru that allows the squad first option on his services for the following season.
Subaru's team principal, David Lapworth, said: "Richard's contract is a private matter between him and Subaru. We'll be discussing the future with Richard this week.
"There is a contractual relationship in place between ourselves and Richard next year, and we would love him to stay. But he has to want to. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink. Our objective is to persuade Richard to stay. You would have thought winning the title would have been enough," he added.
Peugeot has denied there is anything stopping Burns joining current drivers Marcus Gronholm and Harri Rovanpera in 2002.
"No matter what Subaru say, you can be sure Richard Burns will be driving for us next season," said Peugeot Sport's director Corrado Provera.
2002 World Rally Championship Format
Changes in the sporting regulations mean that each of the 14 events in the 2002 FIA World Rally Championship will have a maximum of 90 entries, 30 of which are expected to be world rally cars. A manufacturer also need not nominate specific crews to score points in the Manufacturers' Championship; by registering three cars, a make can benefit from points scored by its two highest placed entries. In another change to the rules, the World Cup for Drivers of Production Cars - expected to have 30 entrants - will be fought out in seven events and Mitsubishi again expects to dominate having taken victory at the highest level in all but one of the last 29 rallies. The success of this year's FIA Super 1600 Championship has also prompted a greater emphasis on the up-and-coming talent and, having been re-named the FIA Junior World Championship, the Super 1600 contenders will contest the remaining seven events not included in the Group N World Cup.
Burns wins WRC
30-year-old Subaru World Rally Team driver Richard Burns today became FIA World Rally Championship winner for 2001.
The result was secured in Cardiff this afternoon when he finished third on the Rally of Great Britain - his home event and finale of the
14 round series. In fog and driving rain Richard and his 35 year-old Scottish co-driver Robert Reid kept the pressure at bay on the final
four stages and successfully juggled caution with speed through the perilous forest roads.
Following the earlier retirements of fellow title contenders Colin McRae, Tommi Makinen and Carlos Sainz, Burns needed to finish at least
fourth to guarantee his world title. In fact he brought his Impreza WRC2001 home third, collected four championship points and with a
total of 44, beat his British rival Colin McRae by two. Peugeot's outgoing World Champion Marcus Gronholm ended his reign in style by
winning the rally, while his teammate Harri Rovanpera was second.
Subaru has now been the driving force behind five FIA World Titles.The Japanese marque was manufacturers' champion in 1995, 1996 and
1997, and the Subaru Impreza powered Colin McRae to the Driver's title in 1995. Richard was 2nd in the championship in 1999 and 2000. His
fellow Subaru team driver Toshihiro Arai finished 10th. The Japanese star, partnered by new co-driver Tony Sircombe, put in a well-paced
and consistent drive that enabled him to gain plenty of experience of the specialist Welsh rally conditions.
Another star Subaru performance came from British Impreza driver David Higgins and his co-driver Craig Thorley. The pair finished 11th to win
the Group N class - ending Mitsubishi's run of 28 consecutive class wins!
IRCA Meetings dates for diary
The IRCA intend holding their regional meetings again in January, They will be
Claremorris - Tuesday 15th January
Carlow - Tuesday 15th
Monaghan - Thursday 17th
Mallow - Thursday 17th
Dungannon To be confirmed.
The venues will be confirmed in early January. The main discussion will be the Anti doping policy and the proposal to ban chase cars.
Also December 12th IRCA will meet with Dr. O'Donoghue, the Officer over the Anti-Doping board seeking clarification. If you have any questions for him on the rules, penelties etc. Please mail them to me.
All paid up members from January on, will be registered for our new SMS messaging service which we hope will strengthen communication in the club.
The AGM will be held in february. Details to come.
KEEP AN EYE ON www.irca-info.com
Wexford runs 2nd Single Stage
Christmas comes early - December to see another Wexford Rally
Wexford Motor Club's second Single Stage Rally of the year will take place on Sunday 16th December, off the back of last weekend's hugely successful
event in the Newbawn area of County Wexford.
The unrestricted event will once again be based at and sponsored by Crosbie Cedars Hotel in Rosslare.
The club wishes to thank the Rally Committee and Motorsport Ireland for giving them the opportunity to run this event, with the exact location for
the stage and service area still being worked on.
Regs for this event will be available on the Wexford rally website by the weekend. Clerk of the course for the day will be Des Byrne, with Sean Gaul
appointed as his assistant.
For further info visit wexfordrally.tripod.com
Donegal Single Stage
Donegal Motor Club has to-day announced initial details of its Single Stage Rally planned for Sunday 9th December. This will be the first rally run by the Donegal Motor Club in 2001, after the disappointment of the summer with the cancellation of the Shell Donegal International, but MotorSport Ireland has granted this Single Stage event as a replacement for the Shell Donegal International Rally of 2001. The event takes place in agreement with MotorSport Ireland and the Derpatment of Agriculture, with the Donegal Motor Club following strict guidelines for the disinfecting of roadways, competitors and spectators. Regulations have just become available, with a planned entry of 131 crews. Interest in the event is intense, with the event heading towards over-subscription well before the closing date of 29th November.
Commenting in the event, Clerk of the Course, Charlie Reid said the format would consist of, "the event having Headquarters at the Milford Inn Hotel, Milford, with Scrutiny on Saturday 8th December, at Brown's Garage, Milford."
On the competition itself, he added that, "the stage would have a familiarity run at first, followed by a number of timed runs, one of which would uniquely take place in the dark. This returns to a format in Donegal many years ago, where crews pitched themselves against the clock on night stages, and will add a new flavour to the event."
It is hoped that the Donegal Motor Club will get plenty of help, as there will be a strong emphasis on both spectator safety and disinfecting the area.
Stage Marshals for the event may sign up to assist, by contacting Ms. Reba Graham, Tel. 074-291295, while those interested in Disinfectant Marshal duties may contact Stephen Sheridan on 087-6774830
Clare Single Stage Postponed
Urgent announcement.
Due to unforseen circumstances beyond the control of Clare Motor Club the single stage planned for the 2nd december, has to be postponed. All competitors will be notified in writing as soon as possible with the proposed new date.
News by Eoin Noonan
Rory Galligan gets "works" drive
Billy Coleman/Motorsport Ireland award winner Rory Galligan has had
his Peugeot Super 106 Cup prize enhanced.
The original prize was the loan of a Peugeot 206 Super 1600 car to
run as a privateer in the 2002 British Championship. At the
Prizegiving on Sataurday night,Mick Linford Peugeot Sport manager
anounced that Rory would have a full works drive in 2002 and would
partner Justin Dale in the Peugeot Team.
Rory is delighted at this great chance to follow in the footsteps of
Billy Coleman who signed a works deal with Ford Great Brittan in
November 1974.
Rory would like to thank all those who have supported him over the
past no of years.
Report by Tom Walsh
Ford attack Rally GB
Ford bids for double world title in Britain Ford starts the four-day Rally of Great Britain (22 - 25 Nov) intent on claiming both manufacturers' and drivers' FIA World Rally Championship titles in what promises to be the most exciting climax to the series ever. The Ford Martini team faces a head-to-head fight with Peugeot for the manufacturers' crown. Championship leader Colin McRae and team-mate Carlos Sainz can both win the drivers' title as four crews face a thrilling showdown in the Welsh forests for the ultimate honour.
Never has the final round offered such anticipation. Ford are four points behind Peugeot in the manufacturers' series. McRae and co-driver Nicky Grist lead the drivers' standings in their Focus RS World Rally Car by one point from Tommi Mäkinen (Mitsubishi), with Richard Burns (Subaru) another point back. Sainz and Luis Moya are the outsiders, lying nine points behind McRae in their Focus RS.
The permutations are many but essentially the drivers' series is a winner-takes-all situation. Victory for any of the top three would assure them the title, while Sainz must win and hope his rivals fail to score. Home advantage could be crucial over the gravel forest tracks and the outcome could develop into a British duel between McRae and Burns in front of thousands of passionate fans.
"This is the toughest situation I've ever been in, and for Richard as well," said McRae. "One thing that I've got as an advantage over him is a little more experience. I've been in high pressure situations a bit more and generally have come out on top. It's going to be one of the toughest fights we'll ever have. We've developed the Focus from nothing into the world championship challenger it is today so I think if we do win it'll be more satisfying than my 1995 world title.
"It would have been great to win the championship in Australia. We could have relaxed and had a bit of fun in Britain but I'm looking forward to the challenge and I think it's going to be a great finish to the year. If we win, we win the world title so it's quite straightforward and sometimes that's the best way to start an event," said the 33-year-old Scot, three times a winner of the rally.
Sainz, already a double world champion, is realistic about his chances of a third title. "My chances of winning are quite remote but while there is still a chance I must be ready to take it should it arise. My main targets are to help the team win the manufacturers' title and to give every help to Colin. It's a little disappointing that the team is in second because we could have been in a better position so we must make sure we make no mistakes," added the 39-year-old Madrid-based driver.
"The Welsh stages are quite slippery in parts and normally quite difficult. It's easy to make a mistake and slide off the road and the unpredictable weather always adds an extra element of difficulty to the rally," added Sainz.
A third Focus RS will be driven by Mark Higgins and Bryan Thomas, the Isle of Man-born driver making his debut with Ford. Foot and Mouth disease wiped out their British Championship programme this year so this will be their first Focus drive.
"It's the biggest drive of my career," said the 30-year-old Manxman, British champion in 1997. "It's a big shame we've not been able to rally this year and I think it'll take a few stages to get back into the rhythm, both for me from a driving point of view and for Bryan with the pace notes.
"It will be fantastic to have a car that has been set-up properly by Colin and Carlos during the season. It's a case of getting in there, and driving it to the best of my ability. I know what my targets are but I'll keep those to myself and we'll see at the end whether I've achieved them," said Higgins.
Billy Coleman Awrad shortlisted
Young Rally Driver of the Year to be Announced on 30th November.
Three of Ireland's brightest young rally driving hopes have been shortlisted for this year's Billy Coleman Award which goes to the "Young
Rally Driver of the Year" along with a support package worth £25,000. Thewinner will be announced at the Alfa Romeo sponsored Awards for Excellence
in Irish Motorsport lunch scheduled for 30th November.
The three drivers shortlisted for the award are;-
John Carroll, Danesfort, Co Kilkenny
Stuart Darcy, Killybegs, Co Donegal
Adrian McElvaney, Monaghan, Co Monaghan
The three were selected from a group of 16 drivers nominated for thisyear's award.The announcement takes place in a week when last year's inaugural winner of
the trophy Rory Galligan confirmed his undoubted talent by winning the Peugeot 106 Super Cup, one of the UK's most prestigious rallyingchampionships.
For winning the Championship Rory won a Peugeot 206 Super 1600 in which to compete in next years 206 Championship.
This year's three remaining contenders for the Billy Coleman Award will all be happy if the award leads on to similar glory.
Hyundai sign up Schwarz for 2002
Armin Schwarz has signed a two year deal with Hyundai. The German will drive on all 14 events to fill the second main seat at Hyundai alongside Freddy Loix.
Juha Kankkunen will drive on 9 gravel events with the 3rd seat still available for the 5 tarmac events.
Schwarz and co-driver Hiemer leave Skoda, whom they have been with for three and a half years. The Czech team are now the only ones not to have confirmed any part of their 2002 lineup.
"I am very pleased to be able to make a commitment to Hyundai for the next two years. I am very keen to test, develop and compete in the Accent – it has good potential and I believe I can get a good result quite quickly," commented Schwarz. "We have had a good fight with the Hyundai's this season, all setting competitive times, but I am confident I can improve my results in 2002. My aim is simply to get the best result possible for Hyundai."
Skoda have to announce their 2002 lineup by November 30th and it's looking increasingly likely to consist of Kenneth Eriksson and Gabriel Pozzo with current employee Bruno Thiry also a possible for one of the two main seats.
Skoda prepare for Rally GB
The 57th Rally of Great Britain will truly be the culmination of the 2001 World Rally Championship. Not only will it answer the question of who will be the world's top rally driver this year, but it will also set the final positioning in the manufacturers' standings. With Skoda Motorsport's priority of holding on to the fifth position among the works teams, for this final and perhaps toughest event, they are running three cars.
The United Kingdom is one of the most successful export markets for Skoda cars. In the past few years, the brand image has expanded enormously and Skoda has enjoyed rapid growth. Volumes have reached 35 000 units in 2001, which means a 24% increase over 2000.
For the last round of the championship drivers will face a typical British enemy – the weather. In late November they can expect to be driving over stages dense with mist and fog, in temperatures around zero. All the special stages are in Welsh forests and the typical surface is very slippery and often muddy gravel. The combination demands that not only are the crews relying heavily on experience, but also that the car is superbly prepared and co–drivers have perfect pace notes. On countless occasions in the past, the winner was not the fastest driver on all the stages, but the one who was able to successfully avoid the perils of driving through such terrain.
The nominated crews for manufacturer points, Armin Schwarz / Manfred Hiemer and Bruno Thiry / Stephane Prevot will be accompanied by reigning Czech champion Roman Kresta with his co-driver Jan Tomanek. Both Schwarz and Thiry have appeared in the British rally in the past, but it is a first outing for Kresta, so his primary goal will be simply to finish the rally and gather the experience.
Bruno Thiry, who has never finished lower than fifth place in any of the six times he has competed in Britain since his debut in 1994, is looking forward to driving on the Welsh forest stages. He is happiest remembering his outstanding result in 1999, when he finished a sensational fourth in his guest appearance with a Skoda Octavia WRC. Thiry,39, said: "Two years ago I sat for the first time in the Octavia WRC and because I was missing here last year I have now the chance to prove again that Skoda cars can do well on this event." The Belgian, who also enjoyed third places in Britain in 1994 and 1998, said that the recipe for a good result is to drive fearlessly but also intelligently. "In Britain you have to drive with brains. One has to know one's own abilities and the car capabilities and drive fast but steady. But the most important thing is not to make a mistake. On this event they are usually critical and are the reason for retiring."
38-year old Schwarz has not seen the finish at the last two world rounds that Skoda Motorsport were entered in, so he is eager to get to Britain. The German said: "Of course it does not make me happy that I was not able to score manufacturer points for a while. A few times we could have scored and then we could have had held the fifth position now more securely." But Schwarz is cheered, along with the whole team, by the knowledge that the British event is an opportunity to again to prove the famous endurance and toughness of the Octavia WRC. "Before the departure to Britain the whole team has been testing and also everybody knows that the British event always favours Skoda cars. So I am optimistic and I believe that I can make some good result here on the last rally of the season."
For two times Czech champion Kresta, the British rally will be an even tougher test because the Czech championship consists of tarmac-only stages. But if there is one thing the 25-year old driver does not lack it is confidence. He said: "I am definitely not afraid of the British gravel. During the pre-event test I have learned how the Octavia WRC handles on such a surface, so I will go as fast as I will be able to. Of course, I want to see the finish ramp in Cardiff, too." For Kresta and Tomanek the British rally will be a second appearance for the Skoda Motorsport team in the World Rally Championship.
Skoda team principal Pavel Janeba has grown to like the British event throughout the years, despite its tough reputation. This year he approaches it in an optimistic mood: He said: "We have done quite a lot of testing and worked very hard on the preparations of all three cars. The last time we participated in Britain with three cars was back in 1996, with the Felicia Kit cars, when Stig Blomqvist scored his famous third. So it would be nice to prove again the famous strength of our cars with the three Octavia WRCs this year."
Latest News
Skoda Motorsport World Rally Team will face the forthcoming rally season with an all new line-up made up of Sweden's Kenneth Eriksson and Finland's Toni Gardemeister.
Both drivers will contest at all 14 events of the 2002 World Rally Championship including two events Skoda Octavia WRC will face for the very first time: New Zealand and Australia. They will partner the team at its most important moment, as Skoda Motorsport storms into its first full world rally programme since the project of Octavia WRC came into being. They arrive at a crucial moment after the team had achieved its first ever podium finish in Kenya and is ready to enter another new chapter in its rich history.
Hyundai gain confidence for Rally GB
Hyundai Castrol World Rally Team crews Alister McRae and David Senior, Kenneth Eriksson and Staffan Parmander, and Piero Liatti and Carlo Cassina head for the 14th and final round of the FIA World Rally Championship, Rally of Great Britain, where both the Manufacturers and Drivers Championships will be decided.
After a difficult previous event in Australia, where the team was crippled by being placed first on the road, Hyundai crews look forward to being able to return to an event on a more even playing field again.
British crew McRae and Senior are looking forward to the event for obvious reasons, "It will be good to get back on home turf. I always enjoy this event even though it's cold and wet and foggy!" commented the 30-year-old Scot. "We had a really productive test covering a good distance and it would be good to have the opportunity to score some more points for Hyundai on the last event of the season."
Kenneth Eriksson, who was hindered the most from performing at his best on the last event, is optimistic about the upcoming British event. "We have a positive attitude towards this event. With the seeding back to normal I am confident we can have a good rally. It will depend on conditions – wet and muddy stages will be really mucky by the time we pass through the stage which slows you down, so we would prefer the weather to be quite dry."
The Rally of Great Britain is the second gravel event that Piero Liatti has contested with the team and is one he enjoys. "We have had a break for the last event so I am looking forward to getting back in the car again. I have a good feeling for the rally and it is good to be able to get back onto another gravel event."
Key Issues
According to David Senior, co-driver to Alister McRae, "The biggest concern on this event is the weather. With the early starts in the South Wales valleys, you are nearly always faced with quite heavy fog, which can take its time to lift. We have had snow on the recce before so that's always a possibility, but more likely are early morning ice patches if the temperatures drop. The stages are all quite consistently long as well, with the majority being over 26km, which is quite unusual. The only other consideration is the long stage on leg one that starts at 4:00pm as there is a possibility that if it is not dark by then, the first few cars will be advantaged by being able to run the stage in daylight with the rest of the field left to run it in the dark."
Subaru prepare for battle
After wins on this event in 1998, 1999 and 2000 Subaru's Richard Burns
is bookies favourite for victory again, and could drive into the
record books as the only man to win the rally four times in a row.
Behind the wheel of the Subaru Impreza WRC2001, on a familiar stage
surface and in front of a home crowd, few would doubt the British
star's chances of another win next weekend. He has gathered a winning
momentum in the second half of the season and has taken 25 points from
the last five rallies.
Entries
The Rally of Great Britain will see a four-car entry from the Subaru
World Rally Team, which is running Impreza WRC2001's for Richard
Burns, Petter Solberg, Markko Märtin and Toshihiro Arai. Richard and
Petter will be nominated to score manufacturers' points.
Additionally, the Allstars team, in conjunction with Banbury-based 22
Motorsport, will be running a Subaru Impreza WRC for up-and-coming
British driver Neil Wearden.
Driver Quotes
Richard Burns "It's excellent to be back in Wales and on my home
event. There's a great atmosphere and I get loads of encouragement
from the spectators on the route - I hope to give them something to
cheer about this year! It's my favourite round of the season, and the
most crucial rally for me this year. As far as the Championship is
concerned, I know exactly what's needed. Last year I had to win and
then rely on a poor finish from Gronholm, but this time a win will
clinch the title - it's as simple as that. The pre-event testing and
preparations have gone well, the car, as we're proved on recent
events, is well up to the job, and I'm going to give all I can - I've
got a good momentum and it's going to be a good fight."
Petter Solberg "I think the rally will be very exciting as the
Drivers' Championship goes down to the wire. We will be pushing hard
to help get more points for team. The testing went really well last
week. The main key on this rally is to achieve a good grip level so we
did a lot of work on optimising the tyre and suspension set-ups. I am
positive we have got it right for the event."
Toshihiro Arai "It will be a difficult rally for me, as it has been in
the past. I am not too familiar with the stages whereas a lot of other
drivers have a better advantage as they are used to the terrain - it
is very different to my country. The rally always has bad weather. The
surfaces are slippery and there is a lot of fog and night driving
involved. I find it a hard but very challenging event. I would love to
finish in the top ten."
Markko Märtin "I will just be trying my best on my last event with the
Subaru Team. I have a reasonably good record on the Rally of Great
Britain, I have finished every time I have entered and I was seventh
last year in the Toyota Celica, so I should be able to get a decent
result. It will be better for me if there is not so much fog, as I
don't like driving in that too much."
The Challenge
SWRT Sporting Director, George Donaldson "Great Britain is a unique
rally in the Championship. It's a high-speed event, but one that
features a very challenging surface and rapidly changing levels of
grip. This is probably the biggest challenge for drivers. On the
approach to a corner there may be plenty of grip, but a little later
on, just when he is about to turn in, the grip will disappear. It's
all about mud, and the different types that the stages are covered in,
the difficult thing is that there are often no visual cues to the
level of grip available - it can change in a matter of yards. Traction
is key, so at our pre-event tests we've been concentrating on
suspension set-ups, together with evaluating the latest tyre
developments from Pirelli. I'm also expecting some heavily rutted
stage conditions when drivers use the stages for the second time."
Mitsubishi Poised for Victory
Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart driver Tommi Makinen will start the Rally of Great Britain, the 14th and final round of the 2001 FIA World Rally Championship, bidding for his fourth victory of the season and his fifth World Championship with his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC. With four drivers, Colin McRae, Tommi Makinen, Richard Burns and Carlos Sainz, still in contention for the title, it promises to be the most thrilling conclusion in World Championship history and Makinen can count on what may prove invaluable support from Belgian Freddy Loix, also driving a Lancer Evolution WRC. Like Colin McRae, Carlos Sainz and Juha Kankkunen, Tommi Makinen has won 23 WRC events and he will be all-out to take the 24th victory to become the most successful rally driver of all time.
Mitsubishi is also hoping for yet more success in the Group N production car class.
Tommi Makinen has never yet won this rally, but the ultra-determined Finn, co-driven by thirty-two-year-old Finland's Kaj Lindstrom, knows that he almost certainly has to add it to his tally in the Michelin-equipped Lancer Evolution WRC if he is to become World Champion once again.
"I don't know why we haven't had that many good results in Britain. I like the stages and I think we can go well, especially as our new Lancer WRC is getting better all the time. Still the British drivers will not be easy to beat," Makinen commented.
Belgians Freddy Loix and Sven Smeets demonstrated that they are coming to grips with the Lancer Evolution WRC with some good stage times in Australia and they are looking forward to an exciting final event in Britain.
"It will be difficult. You never know what the weather can do, but I think it will be slippery and for sure there is a lot of pressure on everyone. It is an important rally for Mitsubishi and we will just do the best we can," Loix stated.
After its debut outing on loose surface in Australia, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRC is showing more and more promise, and the team has based itself down in mid-Wales for the last few days, giving Makinen the chance to finalise the settings for what will undoubtedly be a cold, wet and muddy winter event. Also worth highlighting is the team's strong reliability record this season, Mitsubishi machinery proving to be the most dependable with only a 10% mechanical retirement ratio against Ford and Peugeot's 20%, and Subaru's 21% (based on all manufacturer entries).
"I always just try to do my best all the time and try to win, that is all the motivation I need," said an upbeat Tommi. "We had a really good test and I think a lot of this is to do with the extra time we've had between events. We tried some different parts on the car, found a really good balance and great handling. Michelin has also come up with two new tyres and we've worked on back-to-back tyre and suspension comparisons, which has been very useful. I think we've done as much as we can, we just have to get out there and make a big fight."
Makinen and new co-driver Kaj Lindstrom have also spent the time getting to know one another, although Lindstrom needs little familiarisation with Britain's forests having won the British Championship in 1999.
"The notes are quite descriptive, a bit different to what I'm used to," added Kaj, "but I don't see that being a problem. There's a lot of pressure on me, but Tommi as well, and we just have to treat it like any other rally and try our hardest."
Network Q Rally GB Preview
The 14th and final round of the 2001 World Rally Championship, the Rally Great Britain, starts from Cardiff on Thursday 22nd November.
In what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the series, competition for the 2001 FIA Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles will
go right to the wire and both results will be decided in the Welsh Capital on Sunday 25th.
In the Drivers' contest, the event will see the closest finale to a World Rally Championship ever. Four drivers are mathematically able
to take the title; Colin McRae (42pts), Tommi Makinen (41pts), Richard Burns (40 pts) and Carlos Sainz (33pts). But it's the 'Battle of the
Brits' between local heroes Burns and McRae that looks likely to dominate the event. They, together with Makinen, know that a win will
guarantee the title. Sainz still has an outside chance of a third Championship. To claim it he needs to win, but must then rely on some
poor finishes from the other contenders.
In the Manufacturers' title, Peugeot (90pts) lead the series with Ford (86pts) right behind. Subaru (62pts) finished well in Australia and
closed the gap on third-placed Mitsubishi (69pts). With 16 points available in the UK, Ford will be hoping to snatch the title from
Peugeot, while Subaru is in a strong position to challenge its Japanese rival.
Top Entries
1 Marcus Gronholm / Timo Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC
2 Didier Auriol / Denis Giraudet Peugeot 206 WRC
3 Carlos Sainz / Luis Moya Ford Focus
4 Colin McRae / Nicky Grist Ford Focus
5 Richard Burns / Robert Reid Subaru WRC
6 Peter Solberg / Philip Mills Subaru WRC
7 Tommi Makinen / Timo Hantunen Mitsubishi Evo WRC
8 Freddy Loix / Sven Smeets Mitsubishi Evo WRC
9 Kenneth Eriksson / Steffan Parmander Hyundai Accent WRC
10 Alister McRae / David Senior Hyundai Accent WRC
Irish Entries
32 Austin McHale / Brian Murphy Toyota Corolla WRC
35 Stephen Finlay / Rory Kennedy Subaru Impreza 555
55 Niall Mc Shea / Michael Orr Citroen Saxo
74 Eamonn Boland / Anthony Nestor Subaru WRC
77 Derek Mc Garrity / Dermot O Gorman Subaru WRC
90 Stephen Harron / Philip McRae Subaru Impreza 555
New Fisher Video released
The official video commemorating Ireland's record-breaking rally star,
Bertie Fisher, will be launched at the Motorsport International Show, RDS,
Ballsbridge, Dublin 16th, 17th and 18th November.
This special limited edition (only 1,000 copies are being produced) is over
two hours long and features action from the Ballinamallard engineer's thirty
year rally career, ranging from his early days in Minis, Escorts, Mantas and
BMWs, to the latter successes in Subaru's.
With reaction from great friends and rivals it provides a unique insight
into the Fisher's contribution to Irish rallying. The music throughout the
video has been created by the Irish group Dance To Tipperary. The title
number " Great Moments With You" has been specially written as a tribute to
Bertie Fisher and the Trend Studios CD will be on general sale after the
show.
Mark Fisher who showed every indication of following, if not surpassing his
father's rally success is also profiled in this video, which has been
produced by Tyndall Productions, the makers of the RPM motorsports series.
This video covers the essence of the Fisher's rallying careers, performances
that touched so many standing in the hedgerows and vantage points of Ireland
and much further a field. The Fisher Foundation, which benefits charities
close to Bertie, Mark and Emma Fisher's hearts will benefit from the sale of
each video.
Further details from http://www.rpm-motorsport.com/
Hyundai announce 2002 line up
The Hyundai Castrol World Rally Team announced today that drivers for 2002 will include Belgium's Freddy Loix, co-driven by Sven Smeets, and Juha Kankkunen with co-driver Juha Repo.
The team are confident that both drivers will be an asset, each contributing to a different dimension of the team. As one of the younger manufacturer drivers, Freddy Loix will be contesting all fourteen rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship and is looking forward to the challenge of continuing with the encouraging development of the Accent WRC². "I'm very happy to be joining a team that is still so young and is eager to see success, which I am sure is not so far away," commented the 32-year-old Belgian. "It gives me a good feeling to have a new challenge; I am looking forward to a lot development work and while the car has proved it is reliable, I expect to be able to help improve its speed."
Finnish veteran of the sport and four-time World Champion Juha Kankkunen, who made his debut with co-driver Repo in the Hyundai on his home event this year, is also looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of an Accent WRC² for the nine gravel events of the 2002 season. "I'm very much looking forward to joining the team. It was great to get a taste of being back in the World Rally Championship for Finland, and now I'm pleased to be returning to a level that I want to be on a more permanent basis. Now I hope I can play an important role in strengthening the team in whatever way possible."
David Whitehead, Hyundai Castrol World Rally Team Principal, is optimistic about the coming season. "We are delighted to confirm Juha & Freddy for the Hyundai Castrol World Rally Team for 2002. The combination of experience that Juha provides, with the fresh talent of Freddy will no doubt help move Hyundai towards the front of the WRC field."
Rory Galligan takes Peugeot Challenge
The final round of the TOTAL supported Super 106 Cup, the Banbury Rally, saw a tremendous battle between three potential winners. The coveted prize of the Peugeot Super 1600 car for the 2002 British Rally Championship, a fund of £25,000, a mechanic and a recce car fell to event victor Rory Galligan.
The opening stage Enstone One, a 3.27 miler was extremely slippy and Chris Moore took advantage by setting the fastest time a mere 0.3 seconds ahead of championship contender Rory Galligan who commented "I hope everyone was understeering as much as I was…". Michael Brew, returning after breaking his back in Scotland was amazingly 3rd quickest 1.6 seconds behind Moore, Kris Meeke, Ryan Champion and Gary Jennings filled the next three places split by only 4 seconds.
Stage two, Enstone Two was slightly longer than its predecessor, the 4.63 miler fell to Galligan 4.4 seconds clear of Meeke with Brew 3rd. Chris Moore suffered a two minute road penalty which effectively ruled him out of contention.
The short stage three Great Tew One was won by Jennings, 2.2 seconds clear of Galligan with Champion a further 0.4 seconds back. After three stages Galligan led overall by 5.3 seconds from Meeke with Jennings 3rd, 7 seconds behind the leader. Champion had a half spin but was still well placed in 4th.
The first two Cornbury stages saw Galligan quickest. He commented "All I can say is we're getting through them, the stages, but the little rough one, Great Tew, was shocking." Jennings was fighting hard but he was concerned about the forthcoming Silverstone stages; "I'm not looking forward to Silverstone as I've not been there before."
Meeke was fastest through both Silverstone stages, Jennings lost 4.2 seconds to leader Galligan but then clawed 2.9 seconds back on the next run.
Galligan now led by 10.2 seconds from the hard charging Meeke with Champion 3rd and Jennings 4th.
Stage eight Cornbury Three saw Champion fastest with Jennings 3.9 seconds down and Galligan a further 0.4 seconds back. Cornbury Four saw Galligan fastest 2 seconds clear of Jennings. After nine stages Galligan now led Jennings by 16.3 seconds with Meeke 3rd.
Galligan then showed the maturity that has been evident throughout this season with a measured drive to the end setting some excellent times but ensuring that the ultimate prize was not lost.
Rory Galligan said; "I'm very happy, I've waited a long time for this, 3 tough years, I've had the lowest of lows and the highest of highs."
Garry Jennings from Kesh, still in the early stages of his rally career has dominated the leaderboard for most of the year and took a well deserved second place on the event and in the Championship. Ryan Champion took third and the same position in the Championship with his co-driver Cliff Simmons winning the overall Co-Drivers Championship.
Rory would like to thank his sponsors Tosh Kellet (Respa Beds) and John Daly (Dalco Nitrogen Systems) and all those who have helped over the past seven years. He would also like to that his hard working team for their commitment, Tom Walsh (team manager) his mechanics, Paul McDermott, John Kellett, Johnny Fitzimons, Darragh Hand, Andrew Browne and Martin Brady, and his co-drivers Tom Clinton, Jonty Bolsover, David Jones, Billy McCullins, Paul Nagle and anyone who has taken the risk in sitting with him over the years. He also appreciates all the help his has received from his long term supporters, many friends aswell as Peugeot Sport for all for running such a fantastic championship.
Report by Stella Boyle
Report on Rory's 2002 season in International Reports Menu
Wexford Single Stage Preview
Following two postponements and considerable negotiations over the past month, the Wexford Rally WILL go ahead, in a single stage format, on Saturday November 17th.
The confirmation of the rally will provide Wexford with a major sporting weekend in the middle of November, as the following day sees the County Hurling Final.
However, the GAA decider is not the reason behind the Saturday being chosen as the day of the rally - the choice of Saturday was stipulated by Motorsport Ireland, presumably so as not to clash with events already confirmed to take place on the Sunday.
Top Ten Entries
2 Paul Harris / Eugene O Donnell Subaru Impreza
3 Tim McNulty / Julian Nagle Subaru Impreza
4 Maurice Gass / Geoffrey Orr Subaru WRC
5 Peadar Hurson / TBA Toyota Celica
6 Sean McArdle / Gerard Mc Monagle Toyota Celica
7 Tom Holton / Andrew Cullen Toyota Celica
8 Michael McArdle / TBA BMW M3
9 Kieran Molloy / Brian Boland Mitsubishi Lancer Evo6
10 David James / Ron Ghua Escort BDX
11 Jimmy Lambert / James Coleman Escort MrkII
The all-important stage will take place in the Newbawn area, but the actual
route itself is being kept secret until the morning of the rally to ensure
no-one tries to gain an unfair advantage.
There's no recce, just a Saturday morning familiarisation run, with three timed runs during the afternoon to decide the 2001 Wexford Champion.
The service area will be on the N25 in Ballinaboola, between New Ross and Wexford.
The rally counts towards the Ford Ka Championship and - I believe - the Billy Coleman Award, due to September's postponement.
More Info at http://wexfordrally.tripod.com/
Kerry Single Stage Preview
KERRY MOTOR CLUB ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THEIR FORTHCOMING YOKOHAMA SINGLE STAGE RALLY IN ASSOCIATION WITH BANNA BEACH HOTEL
Top Ten is as follows:
1.Johnny O'Sullivan / Pat Cashman Killarney Ford WRC A8
2.Ray Breen / Podge Newe Kilkenny Subaru Impreza A8
3.Edward Synan / David Doherty Limerick Manta 14
4.Anthony O'Halloran/ Sean Moriarty Ruan Manta 13
5.Dessie Keenan / Laura Keenan Monaghan Escort 14
6.Mick McQuaid / Victor Fields Monaghan Escort RWD 15
7.Rory O'Connor / Francis Kenny Mayo Escort WRC A8
8.David Long / June Long Kilkenny Sierra 14
9.Thomas Randles / Diarmuid Lynch Killarney Escort 14
10.Mike O'Leary / TBA Killarney Sierra 14
THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE OVER A TEN MILE CLASSIC STAGE IN THE TRALEE AREA WITH CENTRALISED SERVICING ON SUNDAY THE 18TH NOVEMBER.
KERRY MOTOR CLUB WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME ON BOARD OUR NEW SPONSORS , YOKOHAMA TYRES AND THE CONTINUED SUPPORT FROM WILLIAM MURPHY OF THE BANNA BEACH HOTEL FOR THIS TRADTIONAL END OF SEASON EVENT .
Brendan Kelly announces 2002 plans
2002 sees 26 year old Longford man Brendan Kelly launch his most ambitious rallying plan yet in a year in which he hopes to contest the new Peugeot 206 Challenge along with the Irish National Tarmac Championship at the wheel of a new Peugeot 206.
Plans are at an advanced stage with a new Major Sponsor , Donnelly Mirrors , to contest both of the very challenging series and Brendan along with his navigator Michael Harper are looking forward to the challenge.
This ambitious plan is only possible due to the help of Brendans new sponsor Donnelly Mirrors and K & M Motors .
Donnelly Mirrors are an American company based in both Naas, Co Kildare and Longford town and are known as one of the foremost suppliers of electronically controlled car mirrors used in the likes of Volvo , Mercedes and BMW cars.
K & M Motors are the main Peugeot dealers for County Longford and are based on the Ardagh Road in Longford
They will be responsible for the running and maintaining of the new 206 Rallycar.
Brendan is also indebted to his other long term sponsors who have continued to help him during his rallying career Edward J Valentine (The Spiral Tree) , Irish Metal Refineries Ltd , Longford Providers , Luigis Fast Food ,
Longford Tiles and Bathrooms , Ak Guttering , Euro-Ace Security and Dunlop Tyres.
Clare Single Stage Regs available
CLARE MOTOR CLUB ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THEIR FORTHCOMING "LYNCH HOTELS CLARE SINGLE STAGE" WHICH TAKES PLACE ON 2nd. DEC. 01
THE RALLY HEADQUARTERS IS BASED AT THE WEST COUNTY INN HOTEL,ON THE LIMERICK ROAD IN ENNIS.
THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE OVER A TEN MILE STAGE OUTSIDE THE TOWN.
CLARE MOTOR CLUB WOULD LIKE TO THANK "LYNCH HOTELS" FOR THEIR
CONTINUED SUPPORT.THE RALLY WILL BE RESTRICTED TO TWO WHEEL DRIVE CARS UP TO 2.500cc ONLY
AND IS DESIGNED AS A CLUBMAN RALLY.
PRIORITY ENTRIES WILL BE GIVEN TO COMPETITORS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED
THE "WEST COAST CHAMPIONSHIP" IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.
Regs for the Clare Single Stage on Dec 2nd are available from Mary Fitzgerald.
Send a SAE to her or ring on 061 393442. The closing date for regs is the 20th of November so get them in asap.
Mary's address is as follows:
Mary Fitzgerald
Boherard
Palaskenery
Co. Limerick
PH: 061 393442
Citroen announces 2002 plans
Jesus Puras, the only man to give Citroen a World Rally Championship victory this season, has been dropped in favour of Swede Thomas Radstrom for next year.
The French manufacturer has announced its WRC programme and driver line-up for 2002. The team will compete on seven events next year compared to the four it entered this season, as Citroen gears up for a full WRC campaign in 2003.
Dropping Puras, who won the Corsica Rally last month, is a surprise, especially as his replacement Radstrom was thought to be out of favour with Citroen after retiring from the Acropolis Rally this year. But Radstrom carried out a lot of the Xsara's development work on gravel this year and could be better suited to the events Citroen has chosen for 2002.
Young gun Sebastien Loeb and Citroen favourite Philippe Bugalski have been kept on in the other two Xsaras. Loeb and Radstrom will take in all seven events - Monte Carlo, Sweden, Spain, Acropolis, Safari, Finland and Germany - while Bugalski will be limited to three.
The line-up decision looks to be bad news for ex-world champion Didier Auriol. The Frenchman has lost his place at Peugeot with the signing of Briton Richard Burns for next year, and Citroen appeared to be his only hope of a top drive. Given that his long-time co-driver Denis Giraudet has joined Radstrom at Citroen, the indications are that Auriol could be left on the sidelines for 2002. Only Hyundai and Skoda have drives available.
Mc Shea looks forward to Rally GB
Britain's Niall McShea believes home advantage will be enough for him to
fight for his maiden FIA Super 1600 Championship victory on the Network Q
Rally Great Britain.
But the 27-year-old is competing not only for glory but also to prove to a
consortium of city backers led by City Director John Lloyd that he is worthy
of their continued support as he chases his goal of following in the
footsteps of Richard Burns and Colin McRae next season.
"Nobody can put more pressure on me than I put on myself, but I know this
one event is going to be critical to my future career in a lot of ways,"
said McShea. "There are no excuses for being anywhere other than at the
front of the field fighting for victory."
Two solid results have shot McShea up the points standings in the past two
events and victory in Britain will guarantee him third in the championship,
which is the official World Rally Championship junior feeder category.
"It's the final round of the season and I only have one goal - victory,"
said McShea, who is became Britain's only competitor in the series after
being voted the country's most-promising young talent as part of the £50,000
Roger Clark Award last season.
"Things have been going well for my co-driver Michael Orr and I in the past
two rounds, and the confidence I have built with two points finishes,
coupled with the advantage of local knowledge, should bridge the gap and put
me in the thick of the action."
McShea has contested the Rally Great Britain twice in the past, leading his
class comfortably in both 1999 and 2000 before being forced into retirement
with mechanical problems.
Further news at www.niallmcshea.com
Cork Single Stage December 2nd
The Cork Motor Club Single Stage Rally will take place on Sunday, December 2nd and will feature a 10 mile tarmac special stage run in East Cork.
Regulations and Entry Forms can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Clerk of the
Course
Brian O'Connell
1 Cranford Pines
Ballincollig
Co.Cork.
Regulations shall be posted to all those who have request them ,on Friday 9th November, with the closing date for receipt of completed entries being Friday 16th of November.
Lindstron to navigate Makinen
Finland's Kaj Lindstrom, who has been competing in the British forests since 1998, will navigate Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart driver Tommi Makinen on the final and decisive round of the FIA World Rally Championship, the Rally of Great Britain (23-25 November).
Thirty-two-year-old Kaj has a wealth of experience competing in Britain, most notably with fellow countryman Tapio Laukkanen, the duo having taken the British Rally Championship title in 1999 with three outright victories. Kaj also won the Finnish Championship in 1997, claimed the Formula 2 crown in 1998 as well as the Formula 2 victory on Britain's round of the World Championship, and finished an impressive fifth overall in last year's Rally Australia.
While the Mikkeli born Finn is under no illusion that stepping into Risto Mannisenmaki's boots will be easy, he is nevertheless relishing the prospect of aiding Makinen as he fights for his fifth world title.
"Obviously I'm very pleased that Tommi picked me to help him," said Kaj. "It's a bit of a two-sided mirror though, knowing that I am doing it because Risto is still recovering, and for sure it will be very difficult to substitute him, but I'm happy to be the one to try. Working with Tommi will be different, as every driver is an individual, but we have three days of testing and that will help of course. I will also spend some time with Risto, have a chat and ask lots of questions. For sure it will be very difficult, but I believe we have enough time to sort everything out."
Grataloup / Delecour in bad accident
Francois Delecour and codriver Daniel Grataloup crashed out of the Rally of Australia, in a massive incident. The stage was then cancelled and eye witness reports suggested that the Focus went off the road and had a heavy impact with a tree with the bulk of the force being on the co-driver's side pushing the door in and trapping Daniel in the car until help arrived.
The following crew of Colin McRae and Nicky Grist, running second on the road, stopped to help their team-mates, before the stage was stopped and subsequently cancelled.
Daniel received medical attention at the scene before being airlifted to hospital in Perth for thorough examination. His conditions was said to be "stable and satisfactory".
Latest update is that he sustained the following injuries:
- right posterior broken ribs ,- broken right collar bone,- small break of the right scapula (shoulder blade),- small collapse of the right lung
These injuries are not serious but he will remain in hospital for observation for a couple of nights.
Although he is in some pain he is in excellent spirits and has received visitors from the organisation and his team.