Team Hyundai Rallye completed testing on the car last week in Canberra with former Australian Rally Championship driver, Rick Bates.
“Rick provided some valuable set up information and feedback on the handling of the car. We are pleased with what we’ve learnt about the car,” said team driver Mick Gillett. “We didn’t take a backward step all day, the car just continued to improve with each minor adjustment.”
Whilst the crew have many years worth of rallying experience between them, this is their first event in a diesel car and thus will be treated as a learning experience.
“We are looking forward to seeing what the i30 can do. We’ve still got plenty to learn about the car, but it’s an exciting opportunity to see what a diesel can do in this format of motorsport.”
The next step for the crew is to get the i30 to Coffs Harbour for their first Australian Rally Championship event. The event has a massive 292 kilometres of special stages, and this is a real endurance test for the cars. “The i30 will be very strong in this event, but we have to pace ourselves to make sure we get to the end of such a long rally,” Gillett added.
“The event has great roads, some new ideas and will present a fantastic challenge. It really is a credit to the Coffs Harbour District Sporting Car Club that they have put their efforts behind such a great event,” Said co-driver, Harvey Smith, who – as well as Gillett – grew up in Coffs Harbour. “We are so excited to be coming home!”
For most people, the first chance to see the i30 in action will be on Friday, May 14 at the Coffs Harbour showground. Spectators will have the opportunity to see all the cars in action, as well as seeing the crews undertake servicing at the showground.
Visit www.hyundai.com.au for more information about the i30
Photo: Julian Edgar, www.autospeed.com
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