The World Rally Championship comes to a thrilling climax this weekend with three drivers - Sebastien Loeb, Carlos Sainz and Petter Solberg - looking to snatch title glory in the Welsh forests in this, the final event of the 2003 season.
But look a little further down the Wales Rally GB entry list and you'll
come across names likes Brice Tirabassi and Salvador Canellas. You'd be
forgiven for not knowing these young men but they represent the future
of the WRC. And they'll be bidding for glory of their own in the final
round of the Junior World Rally Championship.
Mathematically, only Tirabassi and Canellas can take the title in Wales.
Tirabassi currently enjoys a seven-point advantage so can afford to finish
anywhere in the top six to take the coveted Junior title. However, a cruise
to the title is not what Renault Clio ace Tirabassi is planning:
"I am not aiming for sixth place," says the Frenchman. "I
want to take the title with panache. This is the first time I have competed
in Britain so it will be good to compete over the excellent gravel stages
- my favourite surface."
"Of course, I will keep a close eye on what Canellas is doing, but
I will not let myself be bothered by more experienced drivers who have
nothing left to lose in terns of the championship." Canellas meanwhile
is under no illusions about the task ahead of him:
"It's not at all easy, but the only thing I can do is my best,"
says the Suzuki Ignis driver. "Once I do that then everything else
is out of my hands so I don't feel so much pressure. But Great Britian
is such a difficult rally that you need to be careful as well. I'm going
to give it everything I can - I know the car will be good here."
If Tirabassi retires from the event, Canellas needs only finish second
in the JWRC class to lift the title.
Other drivers with a strong chance of victory in Wales, although out of
the title running, are Suzuki's Daniel Carlsson and Kris Meek in the Corsa.
The battle for Junior World Rally honours may not enjoy the same publicity
as the main event but the commitment and dedication shown by these youngsters
as they strive for recognition in the sport is highly impressive - and
remember, 2001 JWRC champ is one Seb Loeb, who just might walk away with
the main prize in Wales this weekend.
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