14 Sep 12

Problems for
Prokop, Tanak

Martin Prokop and Ott Tanak have both reported frustrating starts to Wales Rally GB after their Ford Fiesta RS WRCs were struck by mechanical glitches.

Prokop’s Czech Ford National Team Fiesta suffered a loss of sixth gear early in the opening stage, which is starving the machine of outright speed. Tanak, meanwhile, said he is being slowed by a powersteering fault in his M-Sport-run car, which also developed on the first stage.

With crews prevented from carrying out major repairs at the upcoming remote service halt in Newtown, both drivers are likely to have to soldier through the day’s closing stages with their respective woes.

“It’s really difficult on the high-speed sections and we have to slow down to save the engine,” said Prokop. “Hopefully the gearbox will last all day because we can’t change it at the remote service.”