Back to basics!

Hi all!

We've moved back to our new pocket rocket that is the Fiesta R2, and wow, lots and LOTS of fun! We went to Bournemouth firstly for the first round of the BRC, Rallye Sunskeeker. We were part of M-Sport's teams entry, which added to the excitement for the event. It all started well, 3rd fastest on SS1, followed by second fastest on SS2. SS3, and just getting back into the grove of FWD driving, we set a fastest time, and moved into the Formula 2 lead. Unfortunately, in SS4, we were struck by bad luck and suffered a broken water pump. We had to stop and fill the car up with water from a near buy puddle, but unfortunately we lost 3 minutes in the process. We carried on, with the Fiesta Sport Trophy win in our sights, and even with the time loss, our array of fastest stage times on the last couple of stages was enough for us to win the Fiesta section and scoop the £500 prize. A small consolation, but still our speed was there so we have that to be pleased with!
Last weekend we had my local rally in Carrick-on-Suir, the Willie Loughman Memorial Rally. Unfortunately, Gareth was busy, but Barry McNulty was on hand to step in for the event. It was a compact 6 stage route, with 3 stages in daylight, with the same 3 repeated, but this time in darkness. We took a stage or two to settle into each other, and the organizers pacenotes (I've been used to making my own for so long now) but as the day progressed we got faster, and faster. We had a really good loop in the night stages, and we ended up 5th overall and 1st two-wheel drive car. Our last stage time was 2nd fastest overall and only 3 seconds of fastest against the GpN and WRC cars!
Then this last week, I travelled to M-Sport for some training before the start of the WRC Academy next week in Portugal. It was nice to finally meet the rest of the WRC Academy crews, and received some great tuition from the guys at ESP. We also got a chance to drive the proper spec WRC Academy cars, so everything is falling together nicely.
So, Portugal. Possibly everything I've spent my short rallying career gearing towards is about to start next week. I've exhausted every resource in regards to preparation, and I'm am so ready for this! The rally is great, we were there in 2009, and we won so hopefully we will have another repeat!
Anyway, I'll try and get another update before next week, if not, twitter shall rescue me! :)
All the best,
Craig