Greensmith reunites with Patterson for Croatia warm-up

The Englishman enjoyed a drama-free WRC2 debut aboard a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, winning the category and finishing sixth overall at Guanajuato Rally México earlier this month. In an effort to convert that stellar gravel speed into similar form on asphalt, Greensmith will compete in Croatia three weeks out from the nation’s Zagreb-based WRC qualifier.

On Saturday, however, he will be re-united with former co-driver Chris Patterson, who steps in for Jonas Andersson.

Reflecting on his debut win, Greensmith said: “México really went to plan. We did what we set out to do. Obviously we know it would have been a different story if Oliver [Solberg] hadn’t had his puncture, but we were able to control the rally.

“Looking forwards, we know the competition is going to be tight in WRC2 this year. But I’m happy with the car and the team, now we need to focus on getting some asphalt experience [before Croatia Rally].”

Greensmith isn’t the only frontline driver competing in Croatia, with his Toksport team-mate Nikolay Gryazin also competing in a sister Škoda.

In terms of Rally1 cars, M-Sport Ford driver Ott Tänak will start Rally des Ardennes in Belgium this weekend.