The International Rally of Queensland, which is Australia’s round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) roars into life on Friday evening 30 August – and the Indonesian based Pertamina Rally Team of Rifat Sungkar and Scott Beckwith will be there and keen for the action in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX. 

Kicking off with two runs of a super special stage in the heart of the tourist destination of Caloundra on the famed Sunshine Coast, the event then moves to the renowned forests of Imbil for the action on Saturday and Sunday.

Joining the full APRC again in 2010, this event will be new to Rifat.  “When I last did the full championship, the APRC round was based in Canberra, so the rally and the roads are all new to me” commented Rifat.  “I have heard really good things about this event, and I know it is a favourite of a lot of the Australian crews, so I am really looking forward to competing here, and to taking the fight up to the local guys” 

For co-driver Scott, the event is very familiar, having competed in Queensland a number of times as part of the Australian Rally Championship.  “This is a bit of a reversal” laughed Scott, “in New Zealand, Rifat had some history and knowledge of the event having previously competed there, while it was all new to me.  In Queensland, I have the experience, whilst it will be all new to Rifat – but together we are really looking forward to it, because technically it should suit Rifat, and contains one of my favourite stages in Kandanga”

The team is currently 5th in the chase for the APRC title, and is looking for a good result to move them up the standings.  “We expect the local guys to be very fast here” noted Rifat “and we will have to be on our game to take the maximum points for our APRC campaign.  But, we are very confident in the car, and our style of pushing hard but focussing on finishing should serve us well in an event that is known for its tough nature and for catching experienced crews out.  I think we have the right combination and right approach to be challenging for the podium on Sunday afternoon  - which would be a great reward for our team, sponsors and supporters”

The event totals nearly 280km of special stages, with all but the Friday night stages on gravel roads in farmland and forests in the Imbil area.   

The team is very grateful for the ongoing commitment and support of Pertamina, Indonesia’s largest producer and retailer of quality fuels and lubricants, and for the support of Oakley, Tag Heuer, and Bullocks Tools.

SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY

RallySport Magazine Subscription
Select Subscription Level
Select Subscription Length
Recurring Subscription Cost
A subscription to RallySport Magazine give you access to all our rally content from Australia, New Zealand and around the world – with news, features and experiences nobody can match. Our team are dedicated to providing an unrivalled experience which shares, supports and promotes the sport of rallying.
Already have an account?

By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine. If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.

We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires. If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period. You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.

Account Details
Payment Information

By clicking "Subscribe Now" you agree to receive news, offers and updates on RallySport Magazine. If you do not wish to receive marketing communications, you can update your preferences in My Account.

We will commence charging your payment method after the 7 day free trial expires. If you cancel after expiry of your trial, cancellation will take effect from the end of your current monthly subscription period. You will not be refunded any fees paid to RallySport Magazine unless otherwise set out in the terms and conditions.

Show Your Support

Author

Title

Go to Top