Spain Countdown: Flashback to 2013
The mixed surface event was heavy on tactics and drama
No rush as Pärn eyes DMACK Trophy title
Caution could be the key to success for Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy leader Sander Pärn as he bids to clinch the inaugural title at RallyRACC Rally de España (23 - 26 October).
The Estonian won the opening three rounds and although Tom Cave fought back to top the standings in Germany at the penultimate fixture, Pärn will take a 29-point advantage to Spain’s mixed surface event with a maximum 42 points available.
“My approach will be to drive exactly as fast as I need to in order to take the championship win,” said Pärn. “We will monitor how Tom goes and react to that. Like all rallies this year, we won’t push too much at the start but try to build up the speed.”
With a point awarded for each special stage victory in addition to overall points, the permutations are plentiful for the Ford Fiesta R2 pilots. But third or higher will guarantee Pärn the title, and a seven-round Fiesta R5 programme in WRC 2 in 2015, irrespective of Cave’s performance.
It is Cave’s Spanish debut and the Briton knows a win will not be sufficient on its own. “My plan is always to win but it will be vital that we score as many stage victories as possible to give ourselves the best shot at the title.
“The different surfaces will bring a new challenge and a new factor into our strategy for the event. It will be important that I adjust my driving technique for the Tarmac stages on Saturday and Sunday.”
Frenchman Quentin Gilbert will bid for a maiden victory, his confidence high after winning WRC 2 in France earlier this month, while Belgium’s Ghislain de Mévius, another asphalt ace, could feature strongly.
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