The new Impreza, developed by Prodrive, in conjunction with Subaru Japan, has already proved competitive on the world stage, but this weekend will mark the British tarmac debut of the car. Geoff Jones, who runs the car alongside the N12 of Karl Simmons and the N11 of James Wozencroft, has prior experience of his new charge, having been involved in the test and development program.
Demand in the N14 has been exceptionally high and as such Rob only took delivery of his car after the British Rally Championship season opener, the Pirelli International Rally. A successful shakedown test in Wales has helped Rob find a good base setting, as well as acclimatising to the new car, and as such the Revolution Wheels Team driver is brimming with confidence ahead of the first of three back-to-back tarmac rallies.
Featuring a brand new ‘hatchback’ body shape, the new Impreza is built around a much better handling chassis, and with full variable timing on the engine, improving throttle response, the N14 represents a new revolution for Subaru.
Team principal, Warren McKiernan, is understandably excited about the addition to the team.
“This has been a long time coming, but now that we have taken delivery of the car everyone involved is very excited,” he said. “In an ideal world we would have liked more time to test and learn about the car, but this is what it is and now we are just looking forward to the Jim Clark and the rest of the season.
Rob and co-driver, Darren Garrod, will form one third of the Revolution Wheels Rally Team this weekend. Subaru N12 pilot Karl Simmons and his co-driving brother, Guy, will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the mechanical gremlins that prematurely ended their Pirelli Rally and, having gone well on this event in the past, should put in a strong performance this weekend. James Wozencroft and Chris Ridge have plenty of previous experience of the rally, and once young ‘Wozie’ has adjusted to the extra levels of grip he should be on the pace.
All three drivers have prior experience of the Jim Clark International. Rob finished fifth in the BRC here last year. Karl Simmons enjoyed a competitive run to finish in the top 10 amongst the BRC crews, whilst James Wozencroft finished on the class podium in his works Suzuki.
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