WRC
Go Fast Energy Monte Carlo leg 4 summary
Go Fast Energy press release
Edited: Jan 22, 2012, 11:41 PM
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GO FAST CLIMB MONTE CARLO LEADERBOARD
Henning Solberg and Ilka Minor, Ford Fiesta RS WRC
Photo by: Ford Motor Company
With two passes over two of Rallye Monte-Carlo’s most famous stages - Moulinet/La Bollène Vésubie and Lantosque/Luceram – the Go Fast Energy World Rally Team travelled south to the glamorous Principality of Monaco for the penultimate day of competition in the season-opener. With four stages covering 84.44 competitive kilometres both crews improved on their Day 3 position to lie 11th and 13th overall ahead of the closing Power Stage tomorrow.
Again, tyre choice proved key. Finding themselves on the soft tyre, Henning Solberg and co-driver Ilka Minor were disadvantaged over the opening 42.22km loop. Lacking the optimal hard tyre, the Norwegian brought his Ford Fiesta RS WRC home with a solid time to maintain 14th place overall.
Switching to the hard tyre for the second loop, Solberg continued his consistent drive over the evening test with two good times through the night stages. Climbing the leaderboard, the charismatic Norwegian now lies 13th heading into tomorrow’s finale.
Also finding themselves without the optimal tyre choice for the dry morning conditions, the British pairing of Matthew Wilson and co-driver Scott Martin set a solid time through SS14. There was a heart-stopping moment for the duo off the start line of SS15 when the dash on their Ford Fiesta RS WRC froze. Their misfortunes ensued when their intercom became stuck on road mode meaning they could hear all team communications during the stage. Despite the distraction, Wilson set a solid time to maintain 13th overall.
Contrary to the tactics of his fellow Ford Fiesta RS WRC competitors, Wilson opted for the soft tyres heading into the evening loop’s cooler conditions – and the gamble paid off. Despite further misfortune - stalling on the start line of SS16 and losing over 10 seconds – the all-British pairing put in a good performance to climb to 11th position overall.
Heading into the final stage, both Solberg and Wilson will be looking to secure a double finish for the Go Fast Energy World Rally Team on it’s maiden WRC round.
Henning Solberg (13th) said:
“Everything is ok, just a steady drive for us. It was the first time I’ve never done these stages in the dark before and it was very very nice out there. So many spectators!
“We’re 13th now. Not so lucky for some, but we will drive our best.”
Matthew Wilson (11th) said:
“Yeah it was really good. I think these stages are meant to be done in the dark. There were so many people out there it was an incredible atmosphere – really good fun.
“I took a sensible approach to the stage. We’re just looking to get to the end as we have nothing to gain.
“We went for the soft tyres as the temperatures were a lot cooler. Henning [Solberg] went for the hard [tyre] but I was very close to him on both stages so I don’t think there was that much of a difference between the two.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow. If the atmosphere is anything like it was tonight it will be an amazing end to the rally.”
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