Brendo is fastest 2WD in Showroom class

Brendo and Rhianon have had a fantastic day at Targa Tasmania, finishing Day 1 as first 2WD in the Showroom class, 18 seconds faster than team mates, Rick Bates and Anthony McLoughlin.

The rally consisted of nine stages in total, covering around 68 kilometres north of Launceston, and Brendo was really pleased with the way the Mazda 3 MPS handled the dry conditions. The pair finished the day third overall in the Showroom class, only beaten by two Mitsubishi Evo Lancer 4WDs.

"This was our first real test today on dry roads and the Mazda really shone through," he said.  "It is really suited to the tight and twisty roads and that is where we were able to really set some fast stage times."

"The first three stages today were all 'cleanable' so we took them relatively easy but from stage four it was 'game on'."

"Given the fact that we were driving to preserve the tyres, it was great to finish the day where we did.  To be third overall in the Showroom class, and first 2WD, gives us a lot of confidence heading in to day 2," he added.

"Rhianon and I both felt really comfortable in the car today and our pace notes worked really well."

Don't forget to visit Brendo's Gallery for some great photos from Targa Tasmania

Visit www.mazda.com.au/targa for Video Clips and Audio Clips of Brendo, Rhianon and the Mazda team.