Electric Cars

In a thrilling display of skill and perseverance, Will Rowlands and his co-driver Emyr Hall have clinched their maiden victory in the British Historic Rally Championship at the demanding Argyll Rally. This hard-fought win on the challenging closed roads marks a significant milestone in their rallying careers, especially given the intense competition they faced throughout the event.

Historic Triumph at the Argyll Rally

The picturesque yet treacherous roads of the Cowal Peninsula in Scotland bore witness to an unforgettable contest during last weekend's Argyll Rally, the fourth round of the British Historic Rally Championship. The North Wales crew, Will Rowlands and Emyr Hall, emerged victorious, navigating their classic Ford Escort Mk2 to a remarkable win. Their triumph was not easily earned; it came after a gripping two-day battle against fierce rivals and the unforgiving terrain.

From the outset, the rally promised high drama. Championship frontrunner David Crossen, alongside co-driver Ben Teggart, initially seized the lead in their own Ford Escort Mk2, showcasing their prowess on the asphalt. By the conclusion of Friday evening's stages, Crossen had established a formidable 25-second advantage over Rowlands, setting the stage for an exhilarating Saturday.

As the sun rose on Saturday morning and the engines roared to life, Rowlands launched a relentless offensive. Stage after stage, he steadily chipped away at Crossen's lead. By the eleventh of the event's sixteen special stages, the gap had dramatically narrowed to a mere four seconds, indicating the intense pressure Rowlands was applying. However, the rally's brutal nature then delivered a cruel twist of fate: on the very next stage in Whistlefield, Crossen’s campaign was abruptly ended by a broken halfshaft. While disappointed for his rival, Rowlands’s consistent and aggressive driving had put him in a prime position to capitalize on such an opportunity, securing his first outright victory in the BHRC.

Behind the leading Ford Escorts, Barry Stevenson-Wheeler and Richard Wise secured a commendable second place, highlighting their strong performance throughout the gruelling rally. Completing the historic podium were Paul Thompson and Josh Davison, who delivered a solid drive. A standout performance also came from Keith Robathan and Ian Nicoll in their powerful Vauxhall Firenza, finishing an impressive fourth overall among the historic entries.

In the Category 1 division, reserved for pre-1968 vehicles, Stephen Hall and Aggie Foster demonstrated exceptional skill, steering their Triumph TR4 to a commanding victory over the father-and-son duo, Clive and Craig King, in their Minis. Meanwhile, in Category 4, for the newer historic vehicles, championship contenders Baz Jordan and Arwel Jenkins faced significant challenges, battling a slipping clutch in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4 throughout Saturday afternoon. This mechanical setback cost them the category win, which ultimately went to John Marshall and Craig Wallace in their striking BMW M3. Despite this, Jordan's strong points haul and Crossen's retirement have placed Jordan firmly in control of the championship standings with two crucial rounds remaining.

This event underscores the unpredictable and demanding nature of historic rallying, where not just speed, but also mechanical resilience and strategic driving are paramount. Rowlands' victory, while aided by a rival's misfortune, was a testament to his persistent pursuit and unwavering focus. It highlights that in motorsport, success is often a blend of raw talent, meticulous preparation, and the ability to capitalize when opportunities arise. For fans and competitors alike, the Argyll Rally once again delivered a captivating spectacle of classic cars pushing modern limits.

Aprilia is poised to conduct a specialized test for their esteemed rider, Jorge Martin, following his medical clearance to rejoin the MotoGP World Championship. This strategic move aims to ensure Martin is in peak condition before his anticipated return to competitive racing. The decision underscores the team's commitment to their rider's well-being and performance, particularly after a season plagued by injuries for the young Spaniard.

Details of Jorge Martin's Comeback Preparations

Aprilia Racing is meticulously planning a special test for Jorge Martin, a critical step towards his much-anticipated return to the MotoGP circuit. This initiative follows a recent regulation change, proposed by Aprilia themselves, which permits a test session for riders who have missed at least three Grand Prix races. Martin is currently awaiting a crucial medical evaluation by Dr. Angel Charte, expected in the initial week of July, immediately after the Dutch Grand Prix. This check-up will be pivotal in determining the precise timeline for his comeback.

The current season has been particularly challenging for Martin, who sustained his initial injury on February 5th during the pre-season testing. A subsequent injury in the same month further sidelined him, forcing him to miss key rounds in Buriram, Argentina, and the United States. His brief return at the Qatar Grand Prix in April was met with further misfortune when he was involved in a crash with Fabio Di Giannantonio, resulting in a pneumothorax, pleural inflammation, and multiple rib fractures. This incident led to a two-week hospitalization in Doha and an extended period of recovery.

Paolo Bonora, Aprilia's sporting director, confirmed at Mugello that the team is eagerly awaiting medical approval for Martin. \"Once that happens, and thanks to the regulation change we ourselves proposed, we'll be able to organize a test day,\" Bonora explained. While Aprilia has pre-scheduled test sessions in Barcelona-Catalunya (July 30-31 and August 11-12) and Jerez (October 29-30), these are slated to occur after Martin's projected mid-July return. Therefore, Aprilia plans to arrange a dedicated one-day test, most likely at the Misano Circuit around July 8 or 9, to allow Martin to regain his rhythm and confidence on the RS-GP machine.

Although an official return date has not been publicly announced, speculation suggests that the Czech Grand Prix, scheduled for July 17-20, is the most probable event for the reigning World Champion's return. The tight, twisty layout and hard braking zones of the Sachsenring circuit in Germany, due to take place on July 13, are considered less ideal for a rider recovering from significant injuries. Adding to the complexities, a contractual dispute between Aprilia and Martin regarding his contract's second year has been ongoing since May 12, with Martin reportedly keen on transitioning to Honda at the end of the current season.

The saga surrounding Jorge Martin's return highlights the intricate balance between a rider's recovery, team strategy, and the unpredictable nature of professional motorsports. From a fan's perspective, his return is eagerly anticipated, as his presence undoubtedly adds excitement and competitiveness to the MotoGP grid. For Aprilia, ensuring Martin's full recovery and readiness is paramount, despite the underlying contractual tensions. This situation underscores the human element in high-stakes sports, where the physical and mental well-being of athletes are as crucial as their technical prowess. The adoption of a new regulation facilitating such tests demonstrates a forward-thinking approach by the MotoGP Grand Prix Commission, recognizing the need for tailored recovery protocols in a demanding sport.