Leg1 Report
Event News
7 February 2003
Unlike the previous day, the sky was cloudy on the first day of the completion on Friday, the 7th.The temperature had rose to -9ºC, however, and was much comfortable. In the Hagfors airport where the Service Park is located, the area was covered with snow with sparse of snow in the air sometimes.
Leg1 started with the short stage little over 14km.The group of PCWRC had started after the WRC and the local WR Cars.The course had ice and some snow on the gravel surface.The one who ruled the first stage was Toshihiro Arai, the ace-driver of SPRT.He had a margin of more than 7 seconds to Stig Blomqvist in 2nd place.Although the other three Group N cars (not included in the Championship) took the lead, looking at the order according to their country of origin, it was Sweden, Sweden, Sweden, Japan (Arai), Sweden and Sweden; proving his strength among the advantage of the local drivers. On SS1, the leaders of PWRC were in the order of Arai, Blomqvist then Martin Rowe; Impreza dominating the first three on the first stage of this opening round.Bourne was 6th while Patrick Richard of Canada was ranked 12th.
The next SS2, it was still Arai who took the top position of the PCWRCs.He had a margin of 10 seconds to Karamjit Singh (Proton) being the top of all Group Ns.When returned to the Service Park, Arai quoted "because it's only the beginning, I didn't put too much stress on it.I didn't hit the car anywhere and I think I am getting good time because I can step the gas pedal on the high-speed crests.I didn't make any mistakes either.The car still has so much to spare.It's in a totally different level to the car from last year."
Possum Bourne said, "I am absolutely happy with the first stage in this country,The car has no problems.Only on the second stage where I was forced to slow down because a car in front was stuck on the track and marshals waved the flags."On SS2, the cars started in the order of Singh then Arai in PCWRC.The third to start, on Impreza got stuck on the course.The time scored by Singh was to be applied to all cars starting behind Rowe.SS3 was the longest stage of the first day with 43.69 km.Here, once again Arai marked the top time.With 10 seconds margin to the 2nd place, he created as much as 35.5 seconds lead to Blomqvist in 2nd place over all. Arai said, "This year, we are able to score fast enough time to keep up with the local drivers who are extremely well on the snow.I was so surprised when the water spray of the intercooler splashed to the front screen and blocked by view."Arai's comment sounds a bit self conscious, but it is gradually showing his confidence in competition.
Possum Bourne continues to keep his positive attitude as well."The 10 seconds penalty at the time control really did hurt, but we are now able to score good time.The car is becoming much faster because we are changing the set-up little by little.We are doing well."
SS4 again, was a short stage but since the three stages continued in the setting sun, every team installed the lamp pod before they left the Service.Here, it was the experienced Blomqvist who was on top.Arai came in 2nd with 0.3 seconds behind.Possum Bourne was the 6th fastest.On SS5, Duval (Ford) who started 6th in the WRC crashed and was stuck.Because of this, the stage was cancelled due to make equal to all competitors.SS6, the last of the first day was held on the gallery stage located in the special setting (1.8 km) next to the Service Park.Blomqvist was on top, Arai was 3rd with gap of 2 seconds and Bourne was 6th with 2.5 seconds behind.
Quote from Toshihiro Arai
"Car has no major problem.I did think about challenging the Scandinavians in the top of Group N, but I decided it was better to keep the Championship in priority, and did not make any risky pushes.The last 3 stages, I had the lamp pod on, and I lost some time because I wasn't much used to the feeling of the nose.I hope I can keep my position on top of PCWRC for tomorrow as well."
Quote from Possum Bourne
"I am happy to be finishing the first day in the snow country.My task today was to focus on learning how to drive on the snow, and make good use for the next day.I'm going to change the setting of the rear suspension slightly now.Our goal is to finish this rally and to win points for sure.All New Zealand born mechanics enjoy this Swedish Rally too."
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| 1 |
Toshihiro ARAI |
SUBARU |
53:41.3 |
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| 2 |
Stig BLOMQVIST |
SUBARU |
+33.2 |
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| 3 |
Karamjit SINGH |
PROTON |
+50.0 |
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| 4 |
Janusz KULIG |
MITSUBISHI |
+58.2 |
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| 5 |
Krzysztof HOLOWCZYC |
MITSUBISHI |
+59.4 |
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| 6 |
Martin ROWE |
SUBARU |
+1:09.6 |
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| 7 |
Possum BOURNE |
SUBARU |
+1:12.5 |
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| 8 |
Lukasz SZTUKA |
MITSUBISHI |
+2:19.5 |
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| 9 |
Joakim ROMAN |
MITSUBISHI |
+3:20.2 |
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| 10 |
Patrick RICHARD |
SUBARU |
+4:10.3 |
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