Testing complete – Ford ready for Rally SA

The Pirtek Rally Team has completed preparations for this weekend's Rally South Australia with a full day's test in the Barossa Valley.
 
Michael Guest and Darren Windus tried a number of different set-ups on the Super 2000 Ford Fiesta as well as evaluating tyre options from Michelin.
 
An alternator gremlin caused some minor grief for Guest, but he was able to complete the test and is looking forward to the weekend.
 
"Better to have an issue in a test rather than the event," said Guest.
 
"It wasn't ideal, but we got on with what we wanted to achieve and it's looking very good for the weekend.
 
"The car is continually being improved and as a driver that gives me confidence going into the event."
 
Windus enjoyed a trouble-free run and was delighted with the day. It's been two months since Windus and Guest last drove the Fiestas at the Rally of Canberra.
 
"It was a good day, especially after being out of the seat for such a long time," said Windus.
 
"We tried a number of set-ups and importantly we have settled on something we believe will be very good.
 
"There's some talk of rain over the course of the weekend. That will not be a big problem for us as we've proved that the handling of these cars is very good."
 
Pirtek Rally Team Chief Engineer Marcus Clarke was happy with the day.
 
"The issues with Michael's car was somewhat frustrating, but we made ground with Darren's Fiesta," said Clarke.
 
"The important thing is that we understand what needs to be addressed and we'll do that in the two days heading into the event.
 
"Working with Michelin has given us a much better understanding of the tyres ahead of the weekend. That's going to be very important, especially if it does rain.
 
"The experience we gained from running in the wet in Western Australia earlier this year has us in a positive frame of mind if we encounter rain."
 
The Pirtek Rally Team will have one more shakedown on Friday morning.
 
During that final run the Pirtek Rally Team will take Australian Test cricket bowlers Shaun Tait and Dan Cullen for rides in the S2000 Fiesta. Tait will no doubt enjoy the speed, while Cullen will be more interested in the amount of turn from the Fords.

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