ADAM GOULD KICK STARTS PIRELLI STAR DRIVE ON BULLDOG
21/03/2009
Pirelli Star Driver Adam Gould faces one of the toughest challenges of his career so far as he begins his 2009 campaign next weekend at the Bulldog International Rally in North Wales, round one of the MSA British Rally Championship (BRC).
After winning the UK Pirelli Star Driver Shootout in December, Gould was awarded the sensational prize of a Pirelli funded works drive in 2009. The car he will be piloting is the latest specification N14 Subaru Impreza group N, with regular co-driver and fellow MSA Rally Elite member Seb Marshall alongside. Run by the successful TEG Sport team, Adam will have three-times British Champion Mark Higgins as team mate, giving him a great mentor as well as the perfect ‘hare’ to chase.
Making sure he is prepared to take full advantage of this dream opportunity, Gould has had a busy winter period, from being involved with the car build at TEG Sport to pursuing additional funding, whilst maintaining his strict fitness regime, he has done everything within his power to give himself the best chance of success this year.
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel now! I’ve had a few months off and I’m itching to get going and start learning the new car. This Pirelli Prize-drive is exactly what we had our sights set on last year, and now that it has come true, I really want to see what I can do with it”.
The 21 year old is faced with a steep learning curve. Not only will this be the first time Gould has competed in the top class of the BRC, it will also be his first rally in a 4wd car (!) Having spent his entire career in Fwd machinery, Adam realises it will take time to adapt, and is not expecting miracles from the first stage.
“It’s going to be a really challenging season, as I have no 4wd experience and will be up against multiple British Champions with masses of experience and extensive knowledge of these events. I am certainly not daunted by the challenge, but I have no idea where I’ll be placed on the Bulldog, as I haven’t gone head-to-head with many of these guys before and the stages, the car and the team are all new to me. I intend driving my own rally and wish to develop a good feeling with the car and progressively increase my speed throughout the event. One thing is certain though; at some point soon, we want to be fighting for wins!”
Adam will get to drive his new Subaru Impreza N14 for the first time this weekend, as a test day is planned at the Higgins’ FX Rallyschool in Wales. After which Adam and Seb will travel straight to Edinburgh for two days of pre-season Rally Elite training, which Adam knows will add further benefit to his preparation for the Rally.
The Bulldog International Rally is on Saturday March 28th and commences with a recce of the stages on Friday. Guests and visitors to the Pirelli Team are most welcome during the rally by prior arrangement, please contact Adam at adamgould@talktalk.net for further information.
