Held in the Welsh forests, Wales Rally GB hosts the sixth and final round of the FIA Junior WRC. Newly-crowned JWRC champion Simone Tempestini will have a final ambition in Wales, as he looks to add the WRC-3 title to his impressive 2016 competitive record. The fight for the runner-up sport in the JWRC also promises to be a close-run thing between Martin Koci and Vincent Dubert, with just a few points between them before the start!
Having begun in May in Portugal, the FIA Junior WRC draws to a close in north Wales, at Wales Rally GB. Although this is one of the season’s most popular events, it is also considered to be one of the most difficult, due to the generally wet and muddy conditions.
And to make the competitors’ job even more difficult, the organisers have scheduled three days of racing with no mid-leg service, meaning that crews and teams need to have an entirely error-free rally!
After securing the title at the Tour de Corse, Simone Tempestini will be looking to keep up his winning ways. With three victories to his name this season, the Italian clearly has what it takes to claim another win. In addition to celebrating his FIA Junior WRC crown, he will be aiming to secure a second title, that of FIA WRC-3 Champion. Currently leading the overall standings, he will be hoping to make sure of the title by scoring as many points as possible before Rally Australia (17-20 November), at which he will not be competing.
The Italian could then turn his thoughts to the 2017 season: thanks to his JWRC title, he will have a six-race WRC-2 programme next year behind the wheel of a DS 3 R5.
Currently second in the FIA Junior WRC standings, Ole Christian Veiby is unlikely – notwithstanding a series of incidents – to hold onto his position. This is because the Norwegian has chosen to conclude his season in another category, leaving the way open for his rivals.
In the absence of Terry Folb, Martin Koci is perhaps best-placed. In 2014, the Slovakian finished as runner-up in the FIA Junior WRC and therefore has the advantage of experience. However, Vincent Dubert, a consistent performer with five top-six finishes in as many rallies, cannot be discounted since he is only five points behind Koci!
Yohan Rossel, outstanding in finishing second at the Tour de Corse, strengthens the line-up for Wales Rally GB. Leader of the French Citroën Racing Trophy, he has a great opportunity to confirm himself as one of the rising stars of rallying. William Wagner will have a similar goal, after making an abortive attempt on the Tour de Corse.
PIERRE-LOUIS LOUBET LOOKS TO CONFIRM IN THE DS 3 R5
Pierre-Louis Loubet has been one of the surprise packages of the year in the DS 3 R5, in his first season at this level of competition. Sixth in the WRC-2 in Italy and Poland, fifth in Germany and in Corsica, he upped his game again in Catalonia. He produced an impressive performance to finish as the third R5 behind the two title contenders. In Wales, he will have the opportunity to underline his rapid progress and finish the season on a high!
LIST OF FIA JUNIOR WRC ENTRIES
61 – Simone Tempestini – Giovanni Bernacchini64 – Martin Koci – Lukas Kostka66 – Vincent Dubert – Alexandre Coria69 – William Wagner – Antoine Paque70 – Yohan Rossel – Benoit Fulcrand
OVERALL STANDINGS
Simone Tempestini 105 ptsOle Christian Veiby 62 ptsTerry Folb 58 ptsMartin Koci 57 ptsVincent Dubert 52 ptsRomain Martel 40 ptsMohamed Al Mutawaa 26 ptsLaurent Pellier 25 ptsYohan Rossel 18 ptsJuuso Nordgren 15 ptsLukas Pieniazek 9 ptsFrédéric Hauswald 8 ptsAndrea Crugnola 2 pts
