by Rob Wilkins
TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW IN FULL WITH NICK ROWLAND: CLICK HERE
Nick Rowland will make his debut in the Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship this year and the 18-year-old is determined to capitalise on the opportunity.
Rowland will take in the inaugural Suzuki Swift Sport Cup, as part of David Higgins' new TQ-FX [Forest Xperience] Motor Sports team and while he only been rallying for just under two years - in the F1000 Championship - and has only ever competed in a Nissan Micra before, many are already tipping him to do very well, including Higgins [see separate story].
Speaking exclusively to
Crash.net Radio earlier this month at the Autosport International Show, Rowland said he is very excited about the coming season.
"I have known David for a couple of years and he has been helping me and I think he has been fairly happy so far [with what I have done]," said Rowland. "We have managed to put this programme together now and I am just very grateful.
"It is such a massive opportunity and I know that kind of phrase gets thrown about quite a lot, but it is such a big chance for me to learn and to develop. I just need to ensure I make the most of it.
"There are two great prizes on offer in the BRC with Pirelli Star Driver competition and the chance to drive a Suzuki Super 1600 car on Wales Rally GB. My plan is just to work on my speed and try and get some good results. Ultimately though I just want to keep learning and look at the bigger picture."
Rowland's programme though won't just include the BRC, as he is also going to take in the Chinese Rally Championship as well, competing with the WY Rally Team - the same outfit Higgins enjoyed so much success with in 2007.
