The Pirtek Rally Team has completed a comprehensive pre-event test ahead of this weekend’s second round of the NEC Australian Rally Championship, the Quit Forest Rally outside Busselton in Western Australia. Michael Guest / Mark Stacey and Darren Windus / Jon Mortimer ran through a complete program aimed at improving the strength and reliability of the two Super 2000 Ford Fiestas.
The Pirtek Rally Team is the first team in the world to run Super 2000 Ford Fiestas. After debuting the Fiesta at the start of April at the Coates Rally Queensland, which included a fifth place finish for Windus in Leg #2, the Pirtek Rally Team identified a number of areas that required improved reliability heading into the Quit Forest Rally.
The test was run in a mixture of dry and wet conditions, providing valuable information on the car in contrasting situations. “The test was very good, we have a much better understanding of the cars now, ” said Michael Guest.
“Before the previous event in Queensland the Pirtek Rally Team had designed and completed the Fiestas in just 18 weeks. That event was really a shakedown for the cars. “This test was about evaluating some changes and looking to further improve the reliability and strength of a number of components.
“From a driver’s point of view my confidence in the car is growing and I’m learning how to get the most out of the Fiesta. “I’m looking forward to this weekend and continuing the improvement on the entire package. “
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