Portuguese driver Armindo Araujo created headlines by mixing it with the higher spec WRC cars on the first day of competition at Rally Portugal. Araujo had the honour of making the competition debut in the MINI John Cooper Works S2000 in the event.
By the end of Day 1 the Portuguese was sitting pretty in seventh outright, just 97 seconds behind fifth place. From there, though, a combination of bad luck and mechanical gremlins conspired against hopes of moving further up the time sheets.
Speaking after the event Armindo said, “Obviously I am sad not to have completed the rally in front of my home fans. Despite this I am extremely optimistic looking ahead.
“The set-up of the car was fantastic. Punctures are part of rallying, and the engine has been sent off for analysis. I am certain we can solve the problem quickly. We have plenty of time before the start of the Rally d’Italia on 5th May.”
It’s in Italy, too, that the MINI WRC will make its race debut with Briton Kris Meeke and Spaniard Dani Sordo at the wheel.
[Source: MINI Motorsport | Pic: Brian Butcher via Rally Buzz]