by Geoff Mayes
Rob Swann overcame early dramas to pilot his Geoff Jones Motorsport-run Subaru Impreza N12 to fourth overall on the Red Kite Stages last weekend.
Swann, who was using the event as part of his prep for the 2008 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship and who was guided by Revolution wheels general manager Warren McKiernan, set a string of top five overall times throughout the tough and treacherous rally.
With the rally using some of the famous Wales Rally GB stages such as Crychan and Halfway, Swann was on familiar territory. This was perhaps just as well as McKiernan, who co-drove Rob to third overall on the Tempest Rally back in November, admitted to struggling with the notes – although admittedly it was only his second ever event in the 'hot' seat.
"The notes we used this weekend were a slightly different format. That coupled with a few early problems heightened the pressure and so I struggled a little bit," Warren conceded. "However Rob keeps amazing me with his skill behind the wheel!"
"I think Warren did struggle a bit today, but this rally is not known for being easy," added Swann.
"We had one or two dramas in the beginning but once we got going everything went well. I really enjoyed the stages, and the weather just made it more interesting!"
Swann's Subaru will now be totally re-prepared and is currently up for sale as the Revolution Wheels-backed man is looking to upgrade to a latest specification Impreza N14, which he hopes to receive in time for the Pirelli International Rally in April, the opening round in the 2008 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship.
![Rob Swann. Red Kite Stages. January 2008. [Pic credit: Geoff Mayes Media - www.geoffmayesmedia.com]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/403188.jpg)
