TQ.com's David Higgins has declared himself pleased with his pre-event test for this weekend's Jim Clark International Rally, the second round in the 2008 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship.
Higgins and 'junior' driver Nick Rowland conducted a day's running at Bala recently in preparation for the first asphalt event in the BRC this week, with the former running in his Subaru Impreza N14 and the latter in his Suzuki Swift.
FX Motor Sports boss Hugh Evans was unable to attend the test due to prior commitments.
"The car was on the pace straight away and got better throughout the test," said David. "It got easier to drive, and we did a lot of work to get unnecessary weight out of the car. Some things look great, but they're heavy and not essential so they've gone.
"We made a lot of changes during the day, maybe ten spring options and many diff options. We need to get more throttle response, but we're hoping Prodrive can help with that before the event.
"We left the test with a lot of data which we will use to develop the car further before the
Jim Clark. We hope to have another test, but if that's not possible we'll have the pre-event shakedown."
Rowland meanwhile, who took second place on the opening round of the inaugural Suzuki Swift Sport Cup last month, was getting his run on asphalt and Higgins was encouraged by the teenager's form.
"It was Nick's first experience of asphalt," added the 2004 British Rally champion. "A few big moments made him realise how serious it is, but he's come a long way since his time in the F1000 championship last year.
"He just needs more confidence and commitment at a higher speed, more trust in his car, and he'll keep getting podium finishes."
