Autocar’s first Wales Rally GB bid has got off to a successful start, with Chris Harris leading his class towards the end of the first day.
Writer-at-large Harris, in only his third rally, heads the up-to-2.0-litre Group N category in his M-Sport Ford Fiesta ST after five stages in the forests of south Wales.
‘The car is absolutely mega,’ said Harris, who is being co-driven by Richard Tuthill. ‘The suspension and gearbox in particular are absolutely sensational.
‘I’m getting the hang of things now, although it’s still a hell of a shock when you’re flat in fifth – which means about 80mph – and you start noticing these massive drops beside the road. Richard has been shouting at me to slow down during the last couple of stages, so I must be doing something right.’
Harris assumed the class lead after problems hit early pace-setter Andy Gwynne (Renault Clio). The rally concludes on Sunday afternoon in Cardiff.
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