P-WRC: Rally Deutschland: Peter Horsey event summary

Horsey picks up points on difficult tarmac debut

Kenyan Pirelli Star Driver Peter Horsey endured a difficult tarmac debut on the recent Rally Deutschland, the fourth of his six World Rally Championship events in 2010, but ultimately ended the rally a highly respectable eighth overall in the Production World Rally Championship category!

Horsey and Welsh co-driver Calvin Cooledge were forced to use the super rally regulations after some bizarre incidents hampered their tarmac debut in the Ralliart Italy Mitsubishi Evo X. On Friday Peter's helmet disappeared after a helpful spectator removed it from the roof of the car to avoid this important item falling on the ground. This all happened in the middle of a special stage after Peter had stopped to assist another competitor whose car was on fire. By the time the helmet had been located Peter was out of time to continue with the day's action!

The second day was equally as frustrating after the plumbed in fire extinguisher was accidentally triggered during transit between special stages! As all rally cars are required to be equipped with functioning extinguishers Peter was once again a reluctant spectator! Up until this freakish occurrence had happened Peter had been enjoying the day, the high speed stages around the world famous Baumholder Military Ranges suiting his driving style.

The third and final day featured just five special stages and despite limited mileage so far Peter and Calvin made the most of the day. Their stage times improved on every stage as they narrowed the gap to their Pirelli Star Drive team mates and on the final special stage, around the streets of the host town of Trier, Peter was the third fastest PSD car!

This was a very difficult rally for us. The dramas on day 1 and 2 really did not help as my main aim was to gain experience of driving on the black stuff. The final day went well and although the stages were very technical, I am fairly happy with my pace. I have learnt a lot and can now focus on France, the next tarmac rally, and aim to improve even more there!

Peter faces a busy period leading up to the next round of his World Rally Championship campaign as he returns home to continue working for the family business for the next few weeks. He will also contest the final round of the MSA British Rally Championship on the weekend before WRC France, ensuring that he is as prepared as possible.

-source: peterhorsey.com