CRC: CFRT Valasska Rally summary

Jaromir Tarabus successfully completed Ford Fiesta S2000 debut and achieved the podium

Czech Ford Rally Team crewed by Jaromir Tarabus and Daniel Trunkat has finished third in the opening round of Czech Rally Championship, on its debut with the new Ford Fiesta S2000. Tarabus (CZ) and Trunkat (CZ) achieved the podium after a flawless debut run in a strong competition of another S2000 cars and production cars.

Despite a limited pre-season testing programme, in which the crew completed only one- day test, Ford Fiesta S2000 of Czech Ford Rally Team didn't experience any mechanical problems and ran completely faultless during the two days rally. The flawless run of Fiesta facilitated the crew their learning process and enabled Tarabus and Trunkat to achieve the podium. Well, by finishing third the team carried out their goals.

Gaining fourth position in the first super stage of Valasska rally Tarabus showed his speed, and throughout both legs also reliability. He held fourth position until the first leg's finish. In the second day Czech Ford Rally Team's crew achieved the Top 4 result in every super stage. From fourth place Tarabus also entered the final super stage, the second loop of 26 kilometres long SS, which has been finally crucial for overall results of Valasska rally. With Roman Kresta withdrawal from the third position, Jaromir Tarabus moved ahead to the provisional third. On the third position Tarabus even finished the rally.

Jaromir Tarabus, Czech Ford Rally Team driver: "I am happy I have completed the rally successfully, although the third place is a bit better than we would deserve. All three crews ahead of us drove perfectly. Unfortunately, Roman Kresta retired in the last super stage, and the third position fall into my lap. I would be happier, if we were faster on super stages and achieved the third place in a mutual fight, but it is a rally, and overall I am pleased with my result. In our first race with the new car we finished on the podium and gained solid points, and it's perfect. The car ran flawless throughout the entire rally. If I would make the best of it, it would be great."

With achieving third place in the opening round of Czech Rally Championship (Valasska rally), Jaromir Tarabus has gained third place in current championship's rankings.

Czech Ford Rally Team with the crew of Jaromir Tarabus and Daniel Trunkat will enter the following round of Czech Rally Championship (Rally Sumava) on 16/17 April.

-source: cfrt