Last weekend’s Rally Sunseeker International marked a double debut in the BRC as the 2011 FST International Shootout winner, Steve Røkland, and Ford and M-Sport’s latest global rally car, the Ford Fiesta R1, made their first competitive appearance on the British stages.
Supported by the Poole Tourism Authority, Røkland had a trouble free run to set some competitive times which would have seen the Ford Fiesta R1 top the BRC Junior standings. Unfortunately, due to a variation in the regulations required for R1 homologation, the FIA could not complete the homologation in time and, despite being permitted to start, the Norwegian was not included in the final standings.
In a composed and mature approach to his first assault on the Bournemouth-based event, Røkland took it steady on the opening stages; learning the limits of the car and how best to attack the challenging gravel stages. Gaining experience, the Norwegian increased his pace after the first service to put pressure on leading Junior driver, Brit Keith Cronin, who later retired on SS10.
Assuming control of what would have been the head of the BRC Junior standings, Røkland held the lead until the final time control where he and co-driver Kim Hjalm****n were removed from the final results as agreed.
Rallye Sunseeker marked an impressive debut for Røkland and the Ford Fiesta R1 alike. With homologation due to be completed this week and a confirmed engine tweak to release an extra 10 hp, Røkland will next compete behind the wheel of the Fiesta R1 at the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales later this month. With the extra power in hand, the 19-year-old Norwegian will be keen to notch up the points and get his BRC campaign off to a flying start.






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