Subaru: We're happy with BFGoodrich.
Subaru World Rally Team managing director, Richard Taylor has said that they are 'pleased' with the way their new partnership is working with BFGoodrich.
Subaru World Rally Team managing director, Richard Taylor has said that they are 'pleased' with the way their new partnership is working with BFGoodrich.
Subaru were forced to switch to using BFGoodrich tyres this season, following Pirelli's decision to quit the FIA World Rally Championship and after the first event, the Rallye Monte Carlo, the initial signs are promising for both parties. Indeed while Subaru have no doubt improved since last year, they were definitely more competitive on asphalt at the weekend, with Chris Atkinson taking three stage wins en-route to securing fourth by just 0.2 seconds, while Petter Solberg was sixth in the sister car.
"It's a positive start to the season. We're very pleased with the way our new partnership with BFGoodrich has worked. For the entire team it has been all about getting a better understanding of the tyres and how our car works on them, and what we've seen gives us a lot of confidence that we can continue to improve the performance of the car as the season progresses," said Taylor.
"We're looking forward to the rest of the year and we can expect to see some improving results as we go."
Solberg was also happy with the BFGoodrich tyres and reckons that they will gel even better from the Rally Mexico on, when the Banbury-based outfit introduces its new car.
"I still have a little to learn about the way the tyres work, but I'm feeling very positive about our potential, especially when we get these tyres on the new car," he confirmed.
BFGoodrich rally manager, Matthieu Bonardel meanwhile had only good things to say as well, noting that he was 'surprised by the Subaru Impreza' which succeeded in 'rivalling with the Fords on the dry less than four weeks after its first tests' on BFGoodrich tyres.
"This is the first rally for the new partnership between the Subaru World Rally Team and BFGoodrich and we are very happy with what we have achieved so far. The results are very encouraging. With three fastest times on our first rally, we could not have dreamed of a better way to start the collaboration and we're looking forward to an exciting season," he added.
For the record, Subaru are the only 'Manufacturer Team' to have had to switch tyre suppliers this season, all the rest are use to working with BFGoodrich/Michelin.
