Wales Rally GB : Gareth Roberts - July diary in the South Wales Evening Post

Gareth Roberts - July diary in the South Wales Evening Post

Gareth Roberts, Rally Isle of Man

roydempster.com

11 August 2010, 9:04 am

In the lead up to this year's Wales Rally GB, one of the UK's largest motorsport events, we will be featuring the diary of Welsh rally co-driver Gareth Roberts. Gareth is 22 years old, hails from Camarthen and has been co-driving for 6 years.

Previously an electrician, Gareth is now a full time co-driver for 20 year old driver Craig Breen from Ireland. The pair are taking part in the Irish Tarmac Championship and the British Rally Championship, as well as a selection of other rallies.

"I love rallying; I'm from a rallying background and decided to pursue the co-driver route. I've worked hard to become a good co-driver but there are often misconceptions about the role. Co-drivers do more than just direct the driver during a rally! There are many things co-drivers are responsible for; making notes on recces before a rally, calculating the exact amount of fuel needed for every stage and learning the rules of each rally to avoid penalties.

"It's been a busy season for Craig and I so far and, as expected, we've had a few teething problems with our new Kick Energy Ford Fiesta S2000. However we're half way through the season now, so we're hoping we have these all ironed out! This month Gwyndaf Evans, a former British Rally Champion from Wales, asked me to co-drive with him at Rally Isle of Mann on July 9th-10th. I've co-driven with him before which helped me to adapt quickly to his pace note style and the different car, especially as Gwyndaf's JRM Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is deceptively fast. The recce is essential for getting all the details and information needed so that you're well prepared before the rally begins.

"Gwyndaf and I had a brilliant start; we were leading on Friday afternoon but fell behind when our car span into a ditch. Considering the set-back, it was fantastic that we were able to fight back from seventh place and finish second overall.

"I'll be back with Craig for the next rally - the Neste Oil Rally Finland which will be on July 29th-31st. We are 100% committed to taking part in Wales Rally GB 2010, which is the British and final round of this year's 13-round FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and takes place on November 11th-14th. I am really looking forward to it because it's my home WRC event so it's great to be competing on home ground alongside world champions. I've taken part in this rally since 2006 and the amazing atmosphere created by the Welsh fans makes it extra special for me."

Ends

This article can also be viewed at: www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/sport/Efforts-geared-home-event/article-2476041-detail/article.html

Sebastien Loeb has won Rallye Monte-Carlo for a sixth time following a dominant performance behind the wheel of the Citroen DS3 WRC he shares with Monegasque co-driver Daniel Elena.

Of the 74 starters who began Wales Rally GB in Llandudno on Thursday 10th November, 40 were classified at the end of the four-day,1860 kms rally which featured 23 timed special stages as it wound its way from the North coast to the ceremonial finish in Cardiff.

As this year's Wales Rally GB - the final and deciding round of the 2011 FIA World Rally Championship - draws to a close, Business Minister, Edwina Hart has announced a funding package of £1.4 million for the 2012 event.

Useful Contacts

Welsh Government

World Rally Championship

Information on Cardiff

Conwy and Llandudno

Further Information

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