RallySport Magazine March 2017

“I had no doubt that
Chris had the speed,
just somehow he
needed to tame the
temperament.”
The first time we set fastest stage
times in NZ 2005 was also special. In a
strange way, finishing fourth at Monte
Carlo was one of the most rewarding
results, particularly as it came by
winning the last stage to beat Mikko
Hirvonen into fourth by 0.2 of a second
The partnership with Chris ended after five
events in 2007. Why was this?
Those first few years in the WRC for
Chris were filled with incredible speed
and quite a few incidents.
After our Portugal accident I didn’t
think I could help find a way forward at
that time. I had no doubt that Chris had
the speed, just somehow he needed
to tame the temperament. It wasn’t
an easy decision, I loved what I was
doing, but when I didn’t believe I could
contribute the way I wanted too, it was
time to call time.
I actually felt quite privileged in 2012
(when Stephane couldn’t do some
events with Chris) to be able to come
back and compete with him again in a
World Rally Car at the WRC. This was a
great opportunity, and it felt like closing
the chapter properly, rather than
leaving the ending hanging mid-season
in 2007.
Although it was only two events, I
really enjoyed being back in the car
together and I remember thinking that
it just felt like old times.
Moving forward, you’ve won APRC titles
with Gaurav Gill, who has been your main
driver since 2010. How much has his driving
developed over the past seven years - clearly
he’s become one of the fastest drivers in the
Asia-Pacific region in that time.
Gaurav is a class driver, one that is
often underrated. His success against
some quality team-mates speaks
volumes of his speed.
I have seen him develop from 2007,
when he was a young driver with very
limited experience. Back then he knew
how to drive fast, but at times that was
achieved with very limited mechanical
sympathy, something that gave the
mechanics plenty of work.
Over time he has matured into a
class act and he is continually looking to
improve.
He has a great team around him with
the Race Torque guys being amongst
the best I have worked with.
You’ve also kept your ARC resume up to
Atkinson and Macneall on the
2006 Monte Carlo Rally.
date, sitting beside Brad Markovic and Mark
Pedder. Do you still enjoy the ARC rounds,
or do the overseas events offer more of a
challenge for a co-driver?
Absolutely, I enjoy any rallies that I
do! The day that I stop enjoying it will
be the day that I hang up my helmet.
I love competing here and at home.
Brad is a great mate and we have a lot
of fun when we compete together. He is
a lot better driver than he gives himself
credit for.
I think Mark is pretty similar to Brad,
both great guys, both love their rallying
and both very talented behind the
steering wheel.
I think any rally, no matter what
level, offers a challenge for the crew.
I did some club rallies with a young
apprentice that worked for me in NZ
when I was living there, and whilst at
times he was ‘pretty loose’ shall we
say, I get a real sense of satisfaction
from helping to pass on some of the
knowledge that I have been lucky
enough to be able to gather over my
years of competing.
This year you’re contesting a WRC program
MARCH 2017 - RALLYSPORT MAGAZINE | 45