by Geoff Mayes
Stuart Jones impressed on his debut in the new MSD-built MG Super 2000 Sport last weekend despite crashing out of the Wales Rally GB in the penultimate stage on day 2.
The 22-year-old, who was the only Welsh driver contesting the
FIA Production World Rally Championship this year, only had limited testing in the brand new car prior to the event, however he was not concerned and his strategy showed real maturity.
A cautious approach to the opening day of competition, run in the hills above Swansea, saw Jones - co-driven by Andy Bull, face some of the most atrocious weather conditions experienced in many years. A puncture in the third stage cost the pair valuable time but they returned to service in twelfth position.
Feeling comfortable with the car and the conditions the former Peugeot Sport Cup champion opted to increase his pace in the afternoon, taking his first top ten time of the rally on the second run through Resolfen.
The final stage of the day, Rheola 2, was run completely in the dark and with most of the crews experiencing heavy fog this was truly a test of driver, co-driver and machine against the elements. Jones though excelled, posting not only the second fastest Production class time but also going an incredible eighth fastest overall, beating a number of World Rally Cars.
Day two saw the crews tackle another six stages and with his confidence building by the stage Jones was beginning to set some impressive top ten times. Despite losing his power steering halfway through the last test of the morning he was now inside the points.
A top three time through Crychan in the afternoon showed how fast he was adjusting to the new breed of car and was not only outpacing the other Super 2000 spec cars on the event but was also impressively climbing up the leaderboard to sixth overall in the PWRC class.
