Mixed fortunes as fans cheer ERC rooke Tomaszczyk

Joining the Istanbul squad for the challenging Tarmac event, Tomaszczyk’s challenge was hampered on the opening night when he hit a kerb on the Zlín street stage and inflicted substantial suspension and steering damage to his Ford Fiesta R2, which plagued him throughout the rally.

“During this event I realised how hard is to battle with the drivers who are regular competitors, especially if I did not do any rally for a quite long time,” said the Pole. “I expected that it is going to be a tough weekend for me and I will not be able to fight with the top crews also because our car is not the most competitive in its class. However, I just could not imagine not taking the chance to tackle the stages around Zlín. I think that every driver who loves rallying would do the same, would take up the challenge if he or she would be in my place.

“I am glad that I could prove myself in such a demanding event and bring some valuable points for the team, which put a trust in me. I would like to say thank you to the fans, not only Polish ones. Many of them stayed around the rally route until one-wheel drive cars came. What is more they were coming to us in the service to wish us luck. I really appreciate this.”