Successful debut

Swedish driver Victor Henriksson became the third winner in the 2007 Fiesta Sporting Trophy International Championship in Wales Rally GB last weekend.

The 19-year-old made his first WRC appearance at the event and won over his more experienced rivals under treacherous conditions on board the Ford Fiesta ST Gp. N.

"My plan was to drive at 75% and not to push too hard, as I knew that conditions would be tough and that it was better to push a little on the fast straights, but to be cautious, avoid stones and stay in the middle of the road as much as possible," he said. "It is tempting to go flat out, but sometimes you just have to be a bit more sensible and think carefully about your approach. There was a point when I thought I'd knocked a wheel off and, despite three punctures and the loss of my brakes, I'm really happy with the result on my first WRC."

Henriksson, winner of the 2006 FST International Shootout, earned himself a placement working for the BP-Ford World Rally Team. Instead of working in Wales as part of his usual duties, Henriksson secured a deal to compete in the last round of the series with the assistance of sponsors Allfab and Pole Position Indoor Karting.

"My experience of working with the BP-Ford World Rally Team this year gave me a good idea of what to expect from competing in the WRC, so there were no shocks to the system, I suppose like many newcomers might experience. To have finished this amazing year with a victory on my WRC debut is the perfect end to a season that money just couldn't buy," he added.