Seb Marshall Rallying

Busy End To 2006

08/12/2006

After a successful conclusion to competing this year by winning the 1400cc section of the Cambrian Rally, there was no rest for Seb as he continued with his involvement in the British Rally Academy.

Seb was invited to observe a Ford World Rally team test in mid November, in Comb Forest, Cumbria, which gave a great insight into the workings of a team at the highest level in a testing scenario. He got the opportunity to talk to top driver Mikko Hirvonen and co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen, fresh from their Rally Australia victory, about their approach to testing and rallies.

Late November saw the penultimate training day with the Academy, specifically focused on preparation for Wales Rally GB. During the day former World Champions Robert Reid and Phil Mills imparted some of their expert advice on planning, pace notes and other aspects of a WRC event. They were later joined by Petter Solberg, and Subaru Team Director Paul Howarth, who were discussing tactics and strategy required to make it to the top of the sport.

Following this Seb took part in the recce for Rally GB, with fellow Academy member Simon Hughes. This was vital experience of making pace notes on the world stage, and an opportunity not to be missed. Also accompanying former British Champion co-driver Howard Davies to assist with Weather crew for the Ford World Rally Team on the event.

"The advice given by Robert and Phil is invaluable, particularly from a Co-Drivers perspective, it's not every day you have two world champions knowledge to draw upon!" said Seb "The recce with Simon went very well, and I learnt a great amount. It was very useful to put into practice everything that had been said at the training day."

Finally a performance re-assessment was held in Edinburgh just days after the rally. Fitness test and interviews established how the scheme has benefited each individual: "Over the whole year my fitness has improved substantially and I've now got a much greater appreciation for just how tough the bigger events are. It really has been a great help for me, and I'm looking forward to putting it all into practice in a competitive environment."

 

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