Henriksson to contest Wales Rally GB in FSTi
2006 Ford Fiesta SportingTrophy International Shootout winner, Victor Henriksson took part in the Malton Stages Rally last weekend in his continued preparation for Wales Rally GB. New co-driver Mark Walker and the 19 year-old Swede were leading the 2wd cars home until a differential failure forced the leaders out of the event just two stages from the finish.
“We were looking forward to a repeat of Swansea Bay where Victor finished first 2wd, but it was not to be,” commented David Dobson of PPiK Leeds, Victor’s sponsor. “We are pleased with progress however, and Victor is now extremely confident with the performance of the car and working relationship with new co-driver Mark.”
Henriksson adapted well to the UK stages and the change in surface compared with the smooth gravel found in Sweden. Henriksson explains, “This event was more of a test session, but all through the stages the car felt good and we were able to push harder with some quick times.”
Dobson continued, “PPIK continues to support young, upcoming motorsport talent across various disciplines, and we are looking forward to seeing how Victor performs against regular Fiesta ST contenders both from the UK and internationally.”
Henriksson was winner of the 2006 Ford Fiesta SportingTrophy International Shootout competition and has been working a year long sabbatical with the BP-Ford World Rally Team. World Champions in 2006 and vying for the 2007 WRC championship, the M-Sport team has been providing the best possible foundation to Victor's career. To secure this unrivalled opportunity, Victor had to beat off competition from a host of hopeful aspiring young rally talent from across Europe. He will be on duty for the BP-Ford Team in Ireland, to provide weather information in support of the team’s last push to retain the Manufacturers’ title and secure the Drivers’ title for principal driver Marcus Gronholm.
PPiK’s David Dobson finishes, “The PPiK Allfab team will now continue the hard work on preparation for our entry in the FSTi championship at Wales Rally GB at the end of November, where Henriksson will compete in his first WRC event and third competitive rally in this country.”