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Successful gravel test for Twingo R1

Posted on Friday, 25 November 2011 12:48PM by

The Twingo Renaultsport R1 Trophy UK rally car completed a successful test at the Sweetlamb Rally Complex this Tuesday.

The Monster Sport Europe-prepared car was driven by Geoff Jones. Fresh from testing a Mini WRC car ahead of Rally GB, the respected driver and engineer was impressed with the entry-level 1600cc one-make series car. “It’s a good overall package and is fast enough to get really good speed. We have improved the suspension today and the handling is very neutral.” concluding, ”It’s a perfect one make series car that has to be driven in a certain way to get the best out of it. I’d rally it.”

MSE engineer Yasuhiro Ishii was very pleased with the results of the test. “Despite the R1 regulations being very restrictive, we have made improvements and importantly completed over 100 kilometres of testing on a gravel surface with no damage or component failure.”

The test session took place on a two kilometre loop and included a big jump, rutted sections, several water hazards and plenty of contours. The test concluded by simulating a 25 kilometre stage, representing the longest gravel stage currently held in the British Rally Championship.

Renaultsport Trophy Manager Simon Moss concluded, “Everyone at the test this week was delighted with the car, we intend to do more endurance testing, but the performance of the R1 Twingo bodes well for the new championship.”

The Twingo Renaultsport R1 Trophy UK and separate R2 series provides competitors with a chance to win a prize drive in 2013 Rally Monte Carlo as well as an on-event prize fund. Interested customers will get the chance to drive the R1 and R2 Twingos at an official customer day this coming Friday.

For more details on the 2012 series contact:
Twingo Trophy Manager - Simon Moss
E: simonmoss@twingotrophy.co.uk
M:+44 7714 135926