Having made their debut at the 2017 World RX of Spain, STARD are looking forward to the challenge ahead this is the 2017 World RX of Portugal.
With the team having tested their Ford Fiesta RX Evo 3 Supercars right after the first round of the 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship, Team Principal Manfred Stohl explains why he was happy with the teams performance on its World RX debut.
Team Principal Manfred Stohl was happy with the performance of the STARD cars on their World RX debut Credit: Rihards Baumanis/Baumanis Motorpsort Photography
“This test was primarily to confirm information gained during the race and to adjust them with the drivers. We noticed, that as far as speed is concerned, we are completely close to the competition,” explained the former WRC driver.
“That we did not participate with one of the two cars in the final runs, was only caused by minor details.”
Janis Baumanis finished Qualifying in 15th place during the 2017 World RX of Spain. Credit: IMG / FIA World RX
The teams two drivers fared well on their return to World RX where Janis Baumanis finished Qualifying in 15th place, missing out on a Semi-Final spot by six points, having been 7th fastest in Q1. Former Double FIA European Rallycross Champion Timur Timerzyanov had a more difficult time in Qualifying where he finished in 20th place and missed out due to an electronic failure on his car.
Stohl explains that despite this difficult start to the season, he is happy with how the first event played out.
Timur Timerzyanov suffered an electrical issue during Qualifying in Spain. Credit: Steve White/Fueltopia
“Timur lost his chance due to a simple electronic failure, Janis fell victim to an involuntary collision. But those are issues we have to work on,” said Stohl. “We should not wrangle that Baumanis was knocked off course, but we must look how to avoid this so that this doesn’t happen again next time.”
However the former World RX driver is confident that a good showing in Portugal can showcase the cars potential to challenge the established order:
The STARD Team stayed on in Barcelona to test the cars further after the World RX of Spain. Credit: Steve White/Fueltopia
“If we manage to bring the necessary consistency into our good work and to handle all four heats without problems, I am sure, that we can be right in the front.”
The 2017 World RX of Portugal takes place at the Montalegre circuit between April 21-23 and you can follow coverage of the weekend right here at The Checkered Flag.
