Pirelli preparations

TQ driver David Higgins and his co-driver Ieuan Thomas are facing the prospect of sitting in their TQ RED Super 2000 car for the first time on the start ramp of the Pirelli International Rally on April 20/21.

"The RED crew are doing everything they can and more to try to get the car ready in time for a test," says David. "But a crucial part hasn't arrived yet so it's still being built. But if the part doesn't arrive soon, RED will fly someone out to pick it up and bring it back to Britain in person so there is no worry about the car not being ready for the rally."

"It's not an ideal way to start a new season in a new car in a new category, but this time last year I didn't know I was doing the Pirelli. Then when we got a last minute deal I didn't have time for a test but we led the rally after the first stage and finished fourth after transmission problems. If we don�t get time for a test, we will go to get points and hope to be on the pace by the second day."

While he waits for his wheels to arrive, David has resorted to rallying indoors on his PS2 and keeping his fitness levels up by spending hours every day running and cycling.

David will be joined on the Pirelli International Rally by his TQ RED Rally Team mate Hugh Evans, managing director of David�s sponsor TQ Education and Training. Evans will drive a Mitsubishi Lancer E9. The team is sponsored by TQ, Proflex, PIAA and the Forest Experience Rally School.