Rali Ceredigion – Friday Update
It feels great to finally get going here in Aberystwyth. After all the build up, scrutineering, recce and media commitments, Friday was about switching into rally mode and reminding myself why we do this, the thrill of competition.
The day started with the qualifying stage up on the moorland roads. Conditions were dry, the surface narrow and unforgiving, but it was a good way to get dialled in. Andrea Mabellini set the benchmark, but Shane and I put in a strong time and came away second quickest. That gave us confidence going into the evening’s big event, the Aberystwyth street stage.
If you have never been, it is something special. The seafront is transformed into a proper rally stage, lined with barriers and packed with fans. Welsh flags everywhere, kids on shoulders, people cheering from balconies, the whole town comes alive. Driving through that atmosphere is hard to describe. It is part street race, part festival, and it really shows how much support there is for rallying here in Wales.
When it was our turn, I tried to find a balance between pushing for a good time and keeping things tidy. These street stages can be tricky, with tight turns, kerbs waiting to catch you out, and no room for mistakes. We managed to string a clean run together and set the third fastest time, just behind Mabellini and Miko Marczyk. That is exactly where we wanted to be, close enough to keep the pressure on but not risking the car on the very first evening.
I have to say, standing at the stop line afterwards and hearing the crowd still going mad was a bit surreal. You do not often get that kind of reception in rallying, especially at home. It felt good to give the fans something to shout about and to put the Fiesta Rally2 up near the top of the leaderboard from the start.
For me, Friday was all about laying the foundations. We have seen rallies won and lost by what happens on the opening stage, and the goal was to be in the fight without taking unnecessary risks. We achieved that. Sitting third overnight feels like the perfect launchpad for the weekend.
Of course, the real rallying begins on Saturday when we head out onto the closed roads through the hills and forests. That is where the time gaps will really start to open up and where the focus has to be sharp from the first corner. But as far as opening nights go, I could not have asked for much more.
Thanks to everyone who came out to support us on the promenade. It honestly gives you an extra gear when you see and hear that kind of energy. Now it is back to service, debrief with the team, and get ready for the long stages ahead.
Bring on Day 2.
— Jon.
