by Geoff Mayes
Andrew Hockridge ran a perfect rally when the BRC debutant won the opening round of the Citroen C2R2 Cup by a dominant margin, taking a podium in the two-wheel drive category as a bonus to cap off a successful weekend.
This was the Welshman's first ever International rally and with the daunting task of making their own pace-notes, he and co-driver Tony Derrick admitted afterwards to perhaps being a little cautious, which possibly helped them stay out of trouble on this notoriously tricky rally.
Friday night was also the first time Hockridge had driven in the dark since his road rallying days, but a string of steady runs kept the duo out of trouble and saw them return to the overnight halt sixth in class, but more importantly leading the C2 brigade.
A further ten stages on Saturday saw the confidence grow in the car and so did their pace. Whilst not always the fastest, the pair were consistently quick and more importantly he avoided unnecessary risks.
Indeed Hockridge experienced only one puncture on the whole rally - and mechanically the Geoff Jones Motorsport-run C2-R2 was faultless as it returned to Carlisle for a champagne finish, seventeenth overall, third in the two-wheel drive class and with the C2-R2 Cup championship lead.
"I am so very, very happy. We came here with no expectations and were hoping for maybe a top three in the Citroens, so to take the win is amazing," said Hockridge.
"We did a test on the Border Counties Rally two weeks ago and that really helped and the car was perfect, so a massive thanks to Geoff Jones Motorsport."
Hockridge and Derrick are off to the Isle of Man next, where they will take in the non-championship RBS Manx International Rally on May 8-9.
