JRM’s production-specification Subaru WRX STI rally car will make its Rallye Monte-Carlo (22-25 January) debut this month in the hands of experienced privateer Eamonn Boland.
The Irishman, who finished 14th overall in Monte Carlo last season and will be contesting the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship for the 10th time, is one of the first drivers to upgrade to a new JRM-built Subaru in order to compete in the FIA’s new-for-2015 R4 production category.
Under the FIA’s new rules for the 2015 season, cars built to previous R4 regulations are outlawed for the new season and can now only be used in non-European FIA championships from 1 January 2015.
Instead, the FIA’s new R4 category has adopted previous N4 regulations for production-specification rally cars up to 2000cc.
JRM’s current production car rally programme is being run in collaboration with Subaru Tecnica International (STI) – the motorsport division of Subaru. Boland will drive a 2014-specification WRX STI in Monte Carlo and the car will be prepared and run by Dom Buckley RSC.
The car already has impressive pedigree in international rallying, leading every round of the FIA European Rally Championship it entered in 2014 (see image above).
“We’re excited about Eamonn giving the car its Monte Carlo debut because he’s an experienced privateer that definitely knows his way around the tricky stages,” Steve Smith, JRM’s Senior Sales Manager, said.
“The 2015 season marks the dawn of a new era for FIA production car rallying and we’re particularly pleased that Eamonn’s chosen to upgrade to a JRM–built car for 2015. The car has already shown excellent promise in the ERC and that has illustrated the performance gains that can be had by competing in a latest specification production car.”
JRM is currently developing its 2015-specification R4 Subaru WRX STI as part of its 2015 rally programme. The two-litre sedan, carrying the model code VAB, is expected to begin testing in February.
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
