Hertfordshire rally driver Paul Alexander returned to action this weekend on the Malcolm Wilson Rally, round one of the inaugural Fiesta Sporting Trophy for Ford’s potent 2.0 litre Fiesta ST.

After struggling to confirm support before the event, Paul’s participation was finally secured when fellow competitors Alistair Tough and Alan Dickson provided backing through their respective www.bagonsline.co.uk and www.sackmaker.com ventures. Also joining the team for the first time was experienced Reading co-driver Bryan Hull, who was drafted in after the last minute decision was made to contest the event.

“A new car, new co-driver, new sponsors and a new rally for me - talk about jumping in at the deep end!” joked Paul. “A week ago I wasn’t even going to contest the event, but after Alistair and Alan kindly stepped in we’ve been frantically getting everything ready and are now really looking forward to being out there!”

With 24 identical Fiestas all taking the start line competition would be fierce. However, with stage one heralding Paul’s first gravel experience in the new Fiesta, and also his first mileage with Bryan alongside, a sensible approach was decided upon.

By Paul’s standards the resulting time, 13th out of 24 Fiestas, was fairly average. Perhaps more worrying was the apparent lack of rear brakes on the new Fiesta, which was causing handling problems in the tighter sections of the Cumbrian stages. A similar pattern followed through stage 2 and 3, although as Paul adjusted his driving to suit the handling, the duo climbed up to 8th position.

Back at service, Paul attempted to repair the brake balance valve, whilst Bryan and the makeshift service crew tended to fuel and tyre needs. An improved brake balance resulted in a fine 4th fastest time for stage 4 which, along with the retirement of others, elevated Paul and Bryan to a very credible 4th Fiesta Sporting Trophy crew.

After promising Bryan that there was still more to come from the car and himself, Paul then set into stage 5 with renewed confidence and was closing in the end of the end of the stage when the Fiesta inexplicably cut out. Despite the crew’s best efforts, the car refused to restart and they were left to rue what might have been.

“We came here hoping for a top 6 position and were well on course when the problem occurred. I’m certain that there is more to come from the tyres and suspension settings, and Bryan and I can also see room for improvement in our partnership. Hopefully we’ll be able to get some support on board and return to the championship in May. I’d also like to say a special thank-you to Lee and Jim who serviced for us in difficult conditions, and congratulations to Alistair for securing a fantastic class win today in his own Subaru.

The Fiesta Sporting Trophy action will soon be broadcast in a dedicated program on both terrestrial and satellite channels - further scheduling information to follow.

The team were supported on this event by www.bagsonline.co.uk, www.sackmaker.com and www.fiestaoc.com. For further images, news and for information on how to join the team, please visit www.alexrally.com.