Interview: Arron Windus

So impressed were those in charge at Vauxhall Motorsport with 19 year old Australian Arron Windus' test, they decided to add an additional car to their original two-car team for their assualt on the 2016 British Rally Championship assault.

Windus had been invited to test drive the team's Adam R2 in Britain in early January with a place in the team up for grabs. With only one year of rallying behind him, you'd expect the chances of Windus earning a place on the team to be slim, but the young Aussie ticked all the right boxes and was rewarded with the ultimate prize.  RallySport Magazine caught up with Windus to find out more about his 2016 plans.

Arron Windus on his way to victory in last year's Akademos Rally. Photo: Craig O'BrienRSM: Congratulations on being selected as one of the three drivers for the Vauxhall Motorsport Junior Rally Team to contest the 2016 British Rally Championship. It’s a huge achievement for a 19 year old Aussie who has only been rallying for a year. What did the selection process entail?

Windus: The selection process took place in the UK with 6 other drivers from across the world (one being fellow Australian Guy Tyler) where we had the opportunity to test the Vauxhall Adam R2. Following this we had an interview with the team managers from Major Motorsport where we were asked questions about our rally history as well as what we wanted to gain from a potential factory drive.

Will you base yourself in the UK for the whole season or will you fly back to Australia between events?

Yes, I will be basing myself in the UK for the entire British Rally Championship season to allow myself to work closely with the team as well as my team mates and to gain further knowledge and understanding of how the Adam R2 works.

Since the announcement that you’d been selected, what have you been doing in preparation for the season?

​I have been watching my in car footage from last year and looking at both my strengths as well as where I could improve and comparing it to those who have previously competed in the BRC.

Have you had a chance to put the Adam R2 through its paces, and what are your thoughts?

​I have only had limited time in the car, that being at the test day. The car feels really light and stable, coming out of the Subaru which weighs significantly more, the Adam R2 handles like a go kart in some corners making it easier to drive and plenty of fun. I'm really looking forward to the Mid Wales Stages in March where we can have a good feel on gravel for the first time but so far the car has exceeded all expectations.

You’ll have an experienced co-driver alongside you this year in Rhianon Gelsomino. It must give you a lot of confidence to know you’ll have someone like Rhianon who has competed in WRC events calling the notes.

Absolutely! Her experience is second to none and will be a huge asset to not only to myself but the Vauxhall Motorsport Junior Rally Team. Having competed in the Victorian Rally Championship last season with Joe Brick, I'm very privileged to have a wealth of experience guiding me through my career at such an early age. This year is all about focusing on finishing events and gaining experience and with Rhianon's experience, should come very quickly!

Your father Darren was a front-runner in the Australian Rally Championship for a number of years. He has, no doubt, had a big influence on your rallying so far. Has he given you any tips ahead of this season?

"Drive like you did at the Akademos rally!" I've grown up watching my father and followed in his footsteps through rallying and his guidance and experience has had a big influence on my results so far. Without his dedication and support to my rally career I wouldn't be in the position that I am today and I have a lot to thank him for and want to make him as well as my family very proud this season.

What do you hope to achieve this year?

This season I want to focus more on finishing events with rewarding results and continue my pathway into the world of rallying!

Good luck, Arron.

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