Todd completes advanced BARS test at Bill Gwynne Rallyschool International to receive international co-driver’s licence
Peta Todd, Help for Heroes patron and wife to Mark Cavendish, one of the fastest cyclists in the world, has completed her final test in becoming an international rally co-driver ahead of Wales Rally GB (13 – 16 November), the finale of the World Rally Championship.
Peta who has completed three rallies as a co-driver for Tony Jardine, Sky Sports News F1 analyst, successfully completed a complex rally driving test and written exam at Bill Gwynne Rallyschool International, near Brackley in Northamptonshire, to achieve her advanced British Association of Rally Schools (BARS) certificate.
Bill Gwynne, the owner of the rallyschool and a licensed MSA (Motor Sports Association) instructor, oversaw the test and signed the license upgrade card, giving Peta her fourth and final signature to achieve her international co-driver’s licence. The card will now be sent to the MSA for final approval, pending that Peta completes a stringent medical exam tomorrow, including an ECG (Electro-Cardio Gram).
Speaking after the test Bill Gwynne commented: “Peta has a very natural feel for the car. She was incredibly nervous about driving but she should have more confidence in her ability behind the wheel. We’d welcome her back anytime and wish her the best of luck at Wales Rally GB.”
Peta followed up by saying: “That’s very kind of Bill. Thankfully for the time being I can focus on co-driving and leave the driving to Tony. I’m relieved to have got this far given the ups and downs we’ve had, and over the moon to have received my fourth signature. There’s still a lot of homework to do but I cannot wait to get stuck in next week.”
Bill Gwynne Rallyschool International, based at Turweston Aerodrome in Northamptonshire, is the World’s first professional Rally driving school, and has produced a double World Rally Champion in the Production Class, Japanese driver Toshi Arai. To find out more about the rallyschool please visit the website www.billgwynne.com
The Prospeed team’s PS4 Driveclub Mitsubishi Evo9 is presently undergoing a full check and rebuild to make sure it’s in the best possible shape ahead of Wales Rally GB next week. Kumho will dispatch their special selection of tyres to the team for the rally and MIS Motorsport are assessing all the insurance needs, particularly Peta’s life insurance.
Peta and Tony will be competing next week, 13-16 November, at Wales Rally GB. To see the action yourself, including the ticket-only family friendly RallyFest stages, tickets can be purchased at www.walesrallygb.com or via the hotline 0844 847 2251
