Great start from Pirelli’s Rising Star Adam Gould on Bulldog Rally

Pirelli's Rising Start driver, Adam Gould made the perfect transition to the top flight of British rallying on Saturday, collecting fourth place overall on the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales, round one of the British Rally Championship.

Driving a Pirelli-backed Subaru Impreza WRX, the 21-year-old didn't put a wheel out of place through the in some of the most challenging conditions the legendary Welsh forests have ever provided. Temperatures neared freezing when Gould and the rest of Britain's best rally drivers left the start in Bala. The event's six stages were then played out in four seasons, with snow and rain making way for bright sunshine.

Despite never having competed in car with either four-wheel-drive or a turbocharger, Gould stepped into his Subaru and posted an astonishing third fastest time through the treacherously slippery opening stage. His sublime run was cut short in the second test, however, when he suffered a broken rear suspension arm. That problem was fixed by the TEGSport mechanics in service, allowing Britain's brightest rallying hope to resume his learning curve-levelling run.

Gould continued to impress for the remainder of the day. He was never out of the top four times, hitting third fastest again in SS4 to cement fourth overall: a career high for himself and co-driver Sebastian Marshall. Despite his fine performance, Gould typically wanted more from the event and is looking forward more than ever to the second round of the British Rally Championship, the Pirelli International Rally (Carlisle, April 17/18).

Gould:

I really didn't know too much about what to expect from this event. I had an idea in my mind of where I wanted to be, but never having driven one of these cars, I just didn't know where my pace was. Coming out of the first stage third quickest was good for me, a real confidence boost given that I'm up against guys who have spent a heck of a lot of time driving and competing in this kind of car. And, I have to say, that first stage was a bit of a baptism of fire: the grip was completely inconsistent; the road really hard to read.

I'm still learning about everything with the car. I would say I was driving around 70 per cent on the event. It was vital for me to get through the stages and put some mileage down in the car. I've done that. I know I have time to make up on the three drivers ahead of me and I have an idea where that time can come from. Of course, it's not all going to come on the next round, but I won't stop working on it until it does come.

For now, though, I'm pretty pleased with the first round result. I was thinking I could be somewhere in the top five, so fourth is good. Having come out of the smaller class car into something with so much more power and grip is awesome. The car is phenomenal and the team have done a fantastic job in building it. I'm pleased that I have been able to deliver a result for Pirelli. Now I can't wait to get to Carlisle for Pirelli's own rally next month. Having gotten into this car, I now don't want to get out of it!

Photo: crash.net