Autosport’s Deputy Editor, Jim Holder, scooped first in class alongside ITV’s F1 analyst Tony Jardine in their works-prepared MG ZR, on thisekend’s Bournemouth’s Rallye Sunseeker (25 & 26 February). Collaborating with the Sportinglife.com MG team for the first time, Autosport celebrated Jardine’s tenth consecutive Rallye Sunseeker, finishing 50th overall out of 110 starters - as the Australian Grand Prix prepares to host an elaborate parade to mark their tenth event in Melbourne. Jardine had to dash to Australia straight from the South Coast to fulfil his F1 analyst role with ITV for the opening round of the Grand Prix season.
Media partners Jardine and Holder completed the first stages of Friday evening on tarmac, running in 69th, setting them in good stead for the challenging forest tracks to follow on day two. The gruelling terrain of Somerley and the New Forest was challenging for the MG team, with a hard landing on gravel causing minor damage to the front suspension. Meanwhile, stage twelve proved the true nature of rallying, as the action was stopped temporarily due to a horse with colic being removed from a local field.
Finishing the event top of their class, Jardine, Vice President of the organising Southern Car Club, praised the durability of the MG ZR which has seen the team through numerous rallies in the past two years. “This is a great swan song for the Sportinglife.com MG, as this car which has served me so well is moving onto pastures new. It has been both fast and reliable, and has had many class wins to its credit. We now have another class win on Rallye Sunseeker due to the superb co-driving of Jim Holder of Autosport, who proved not just great and humorous company but also an impressive navigator.
The weather and stages have been fantastic – I don’t think I have enjoyed a days rallying so much in a long time.” Holder, commenting on his experience in the car with Jardine, said: “It has been brilliant fun. Tony tried numerous times to distract me by making me laugh on the road sections, but, luckily, his previous knowledge of the event saved us from going wrong in a few places. Whilst on the stages and calling the notes it was actually nice to get a word in edge-ways – but that’s the joys of rallying with a commentator! I have to say his driving didn’t scare me once and I would definitely, if asked, love to compete with the team again.” Finishing first overall in front of the crowds gathered in Bournemouth town square was David Higgins in his Hyundai Accent WRC, closely followed by Marcus Dodd (Hyundai Accent WRC)
