Dorian Rees has one aim on the forthcoming Gibbs Aquada Manx International Rally, the fifth round of the Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship. The Welshman is keen to maintain his 100% record in the Prodrive Subaru Production Cup 2004.
The Llanybydder driver has a healthy lead in the series going to the Isle of Man qualifying round and will be pushing for another win in the class to keep him on track for the championship.
Having suffered gearbox problems on round four, the Jim Clark Rally in his Subaru Impreza WRX, Rees and his Aberystwyth co-driver Patrick Walsh were encouraged by their pace despite only having rear wheel drive for the duration on the rally. More encouraging was taking maximum points in the Cup amidst their mechanical woes.
"We had a centre diff problem that was only giving us rear wheel drive. Although with this we were still managing top ten times and on the final stage set a top five time. So with the problem cured for the Isle of Man and having time to recce the stages, something else that we missed out on Jim Clark, we should be on the pace better. I will be trying hard throughout."
While the car has had a gearbox rebuild and some feature changes, Rees has also took time out from his busy work schedule to ensure he conducted some asphalt testing in preparation for his Isle of Man excursion.
"As the Manx runs some stages at night we were very keen to test the car in daylight, also at night to give me a chance to get a feeling for night driving. I have never had the opportunity to test or compete at night, so it was worth doing the test to get an insight of what to expect."
Rees will again represent his country as part of the Welsh Team for the Bruce Trophy Nations Cup. The Welsh Team currently head the series with a comfortable margin going into round five.
Dorian/Patrick are supported on the British Rally Championship by O2 & Get Connected!, Speedline Corse, Welsh Automotive Forum, Rees Buildings, Roy Rees & Sons Plant Hire, Wyn Thomas Heating, John Morgan Autoparts, GKN, Shell Racing Fuel, Pirelli, Knightsbridge Gallery, Oriel & Barrie Jones, Ad-Clad, Davies Subaru, Forge Motorsport, P & A Whitfield, Dragon Racewear, Alvington Car Sales, Severnside Motorsport.com, Teifi Timber Products, ACE Motorsport and Maximum Attack Promotions.
