Luis Perez Companc failed to get the Munchi's Ford World Rally Team off the mark on their home event at the weekend and in the end he finished way, way down the order after going out on the first 'proper' stage.
Companc came into the event 'convinced' he could deliver, however it all went pear-shaped just 3.7 kilometres into SS10, the 18.70 kilometre-run through La Cumbre-Agua de Oro, when he was forced out with suspension problems. Although he re-started on the Sunday under the SupeRally and set four top eight times it was all pretty academic by then and he eventually finished 28th overall.
“It has not been a good home rally,” said the Argentine. “After the delay on Friday, I was really looking forward to getting out in the stages among my home fans. But on the first stage we hit a large hole in the road which threw the car sideways and we hit a bridge.
“Immediately the rear suspension was broken and we couldn't go any further; there was still so many stages left before service. My ambition was for points on this rally; unfortunately with the problems this was not possible.”
Despite his frustration though, Companc was quick to thank all his supporters and he noted that he was really grateful for their support: “It was really good running in front of my home fans, this motivated me a lot after the problems I had and I really appreciated their help,” he confirmed.
“After the problems I had, I was running only for the fans and the thousands of people on the stages who were cheering for me. I had high expectations for this rally but I have to put the problems behind me now and concentrate on the next one.”
Juan Pablo Raies meanwhile finished twelfth overall in the sister car, his only problems a few suspension issues on day two and a dodgy intercom on the final loop, which meant he couldn't hear his pace-notes.
