21 Mar 12

Training
boosts
WRC
Academy
intake

Leading FIA WRC Academy drivers have said the training they received during a two-day session in the United Kingdom earlier this month will be invaluable as they prepare for the opening event of the 2012 season in Portugal next week.

Elfyn Evans, Alastair Fisher, John MacCrone, Brendan Reeves, Joao Silva and Jose Antonio Suarez took part in a series of technical and administrative seminars hosted by industry professionals, including multiple Italian rally champion Paolo Andreucci, former WRC team manager Phil Short, tyre expert Fabio di Claudio, PR guru Ann Bradshaw and fitness and psychology specialist Dr Tony Turner.

Several topics were covered such as maintenance of the Ford Fiesta R2s used as standard in the WRC Academy, the importance of mechanical sympathy, car set-up, wheel changes, understanding rules and regulations, knowledge of tyre characteristics and compounds, maximising social media and the need for self-promotion.

“I had a great day, the best thing was that it was genuinely really good fun but also informative,” said WRC Academy newcomer John MacCrone.

Fellow WRC Academy rookie Joao Silva said: “I found the training days really good, useful and interesting. I got to know the team, car and competitors as well as what to expect from the WRC Academy and where I can improve. I am excited to compete against this year’s drivers and be a part of this series.”

Spanish driver Jose Antonio Suarez added: “I learnt a lot from the team building exercises.”