Jan Habig Rallying

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Basil Read Ford in Gauteng action

15 August 2013

As the scene is set for the second half of the 2013 SA National Rally Championship for drivers and navigators, Jan Habig welcomed Ford as a new event sponsor on the Ford Rally to be run in Gauteng on 16 and 17 August.

"To have Ford so fully involved in South African rallying certainly bodes well for the future of the sport in this country," said Habig. "For me it has been a wonderful experience to drive the Basil Read Ford Fiesta S2000, and with twelve events behind the wheel of the Ford, and a finishing record of 91,6%, no one can question the reliability and aggressiveness of the Fiesta."

Habig currently finds himself in second position on the 2013 championship log, only 5 points adrift of Mark Cronje who also competes in a Ford Fiesta.

"It is our aim to score maximum points and we will approach this event well prepared, ensuring that we maintain a good rhythm and apply our notes critically," said Habig. "It is an all-new event with new roads, and during the course of this year it has become very clear that interpretation of the safety notes should be as accurate as possible to avoid losing valuable time."

"We have enjoyed a good run so far this year with a win and two second places, but we expect a strong challenge from both the Toyota and Volkswagen camps, and there are at least eight crews that could easily take an overall win," he continued. "In past years, one could gauge the pace in the first few stages, but those days are long gone as positions are separated by split seconds."

"This rally is an opportunity for many fans who are located in Gauteng to come and spectate as the event is based around the Pretoria/Cullinan area and is easily accessible. The designated service park at the Zonderwater Correctional Services facility will give enthusiasts the opportunity to get really close to the drivers and see the technicians in action."

The Ford Rally starts at 11h00 on Friday morning with one tarmac stage followed by four gravel stages. The same gravel stages will be run on the Saturday when the event restarts at 08h00 at Zonderwater. The rally will be contested over a total of 160km of special stages.

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