Some of the world’s fastest rally drivers attended a RED World Rally Team test session on Monday and are seriously considering the Toyota S2000R as part of their plans for 2007.
The test was used just two days after the entire Rally Great Britain field has passed over the road. The Toyota ran without any problems and offered the driver spresent an insight into just what a world-leading Super 2000 car offers.
The Toyota arrived fresh from an overnight rebuild after Alister McRae used the car to make history, clinching four fastest Group N times on Rally GB – the first time an S2000 machine had ever managed such a feat.
RED World Rally Team principal Neil Gatt was delighted with the results of the day. He said: “We’ve had plenty of feedback from Alister McRae from the test and during Rally Great Britain. Alister is one of the world’s best and most experienced drivers at making rally cars go quickly. It’s always nice, though, to get more feedback.
"It was fantastic to hear what the drivers were saying when they got out of the car. It was a very encouraging day from our perspective.”
Finland’s Janne Tuohino was impressed with what he found, despite the torrential rain which was falling during his debut in the driving seat of an S2000 car.
“I like the car very much,” said Tuohino. “It’s really nice to drive. I don’t have so much experience of these cars, but this was great. I was a passenger in the Peugeot [206 S2000], so I don’t know exactly, but I would think this is a little bit above that. The car is very good to drive, it’s stable and well-balanced. It was very positive for me.”
Tuohino is considering a Toyota for a programme of selected European WRC rallies, the Finnish Championship and possible IRC outings. Former Junior World Rally Champion, Dani Sola, also attended the test and was happy with the Toyota.
Photo: www.cmwi.netÂ