Petit Bot stage could hold key to success
A POTENTIALLY game-changing Petit Bot challenge and a record-length run in St Andrew’s headline the stage plan for the Comprop Guernsey Rally.
Guernsey’s flagship rally returns on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 February after a two-year absence and committee chairman Karl Marshall has revealed details of the six stages, which are all either new or run in reverse to their earlier counterparts.
Friday sees the return of the night stages in the north, featuring fast-paced driving around Vaugrat/L’Islet and Chouet.
Saturday morning takes drivers into the upper parishes, firstly for a technical run around the reservoir lanes and then a 2.7-miler in St Andrew’s – the longest stage in the rally’s young history.
Action concludes that afternoon with a daunting descent and ascent of Petit Bot, with the down leg covering the traditional hill-climb course, then a varied stage in St Saviour’s.
With multiple runs on each stage the distance reaches 36.6 miles, which is another step towards Marshall’s goal of reaching the magical 40.
‘The Friday night is a lot of fast, flowing stuff, which will favour the faster cars,’ Marshall said.
‘The reservoir will be something else to enjoy, and St Andrew’s is the longest stage they are going to race, so they will be able to get themselves into the groove.
‘Then the fun will begin. Petit Bot is going to catch a lot of them out, but there’s a lot of talent there and I am sure they will keep with it... the braver will come out on top and we may see some movement on the leaderboards.
‘St Saviour’s will be tight and twisty.
‘We try to get some fast and flowing stuff, but we try to get some technical stuff where they do a lot more hand-braking and slow down a lot more. There’s a little bit of everything.’
Despite additional obstacles presented by Covid, the rally has attracted a healthy 31 crews.
Reigning champions Ross Le Noa and Domonic Volante make their return as one of nine full Jersey crews, with Andy Corner being the most notable of several UK entrants.
The premier domestic crew – seeded second overall – pairs Guernsey No. 1 Dale Crowsley with Will Rutherford, an experienced navigator with a strong record of assisting off-island talent.
‘I am happy with what we’ve got – that’s a good level of interest,’ Marshall said.
‘There’s some good drivers there, that’s for sure.’
