| Despite retiring from the opening round of the 2010 Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship, Devon-based Alan Cookson and co-driver Julian Wilkinson remained upbeat about their performance on the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales today prior to retiring on SS4 of the eight stage event with transmission problems.
Tackling the British Rally Championship for the first time, the pair took time to adjust to a left hand drive TEG Sport-built Subaru Impreza N15 and with this being their first competitive gravel rally where they had the opportunity to recce the stages beforehand, both Cookson from Saltash and Wilkinson from Tunbridge Wells were brimming with confidence.
Despite the opening stage being greasy, Alan was happy with his run and on the second test, he was pleased to take time out of the more seasoned campaigners. However a driveshaft problem during the third stage soon saw the pair destined for retirement one stage later on the Welshpool-based event.
Alan said: "Although we retired from the rally, I must say I am very pleased with how the day went! I have never felt so confident with a car before. This is a proper piece of kit, it does exactly what I want it to and we loved every moment of those first few stages! I cannot wait for the Pirelli International Rally now."
Julian added: "Smiles per miles must sum up today! Both Alan and I really enjoyed the few stages that we did. The car was great, we had so much confidence in our notes and it seemed to reflect in our performance. I am disappointed not to finish for our sponsors but at least we've seen that we are not that far off the pace."
The next round of the Dulux Trade British Rally Championship takes place on 23/24th April with the Pirelli International Rally based in Carlisle.
2010 Dulux Trade British Rally Championship
27 March - Bulldog International Rally North Wales
23/24 April - Pirelli International Rally - Carlisle, Cumbria
28/29 May - Jim Clark International Rally - Duns, Scottish Borders
9/10 July - Isle of Man International Rally - Douglas, Isle of Man
20/21 August - International Rally NI - Antrim, Northern Ireland
24/25 Sept - International Rally Yorkshire - North Yorkshire
| 
