South coast rally driver Steve Hendy powered his Hankook-supported Focus WRC to a podium finish in the Monteberg Rallysprint – the perfect warm-up event to this weekend’s RBS International Manx Rally (May 11/12).

The Southampton driver said he was delighted with the result – which provides a vital confidence boost ahead of a visit to the Isle of Man.

“We wanted to give the Focus WRC a good shakedown in Belgium and the conditions were perfect to test both the car and the Hankook tyres,’’ said Steve.

“The technicians now have some work to make a few set-up changes for the Manx this weekend but overall everything was working well and we can’t wait to get over to the island and see how the new car performs against some extremely tough competition.’’

The RBS International Manx Rally is a round of the MSA Asphalt Rally Championship, a series Steve has won twice, and the event is also a round of the Hankook GRC.

Action gets underway on Friday evening with competitors facing four night high speed tests before the overnight halt.  Saturday sees a full day of action on the island before the finish back at the famous TT Grandstand in Douglas.

Steve is seeded at number 14 for the event where the strong line-up also includes former world champion Colin McRae.