Brendo still third despite puncture

Despite another near-faultless drive today, Brendo has finished day four of Targa Tasmania in third outright in the Showroom class.

With wet conditions to contend with, Brendo had maintained his second place throughout the day, despite pressure being applied from Tony Warren, who overcame overheating problems suffered on day two in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, and was charging back up the field. 

Clean driving from Brendo saw him hold onto his position until a puncture on the penultimate stage of the day, SS33 Rosebery, required a tyre charge.  This incurred a two minute penalty, and put the Mazda3 MPS of Brendo and Rhianon back to third outright.  If not for the two minute penalty, Brendo would hold a 38 second lead over Warren.

The pair were also slowed on the day's final stage due to an accident, causing them to lose more time.

The Mazda driver maintains his place as first 2WD in the class, with team mates Rick Bates and Anthony McLoughlin seven minutes behind after suffering turbo problems in their Mazda3.

Naturally, Brendo was extremely disappointed with the way the day ended.

"We had a 'don't cut' on a corner in Rosebery, and me being a typical driver, I cut the corner and we got a puncture. We drove five kilometres on the flat tyre and got to the finish, where we had to take a two minute penalty for changing it."

"Now we're well back in our class. I'm not sure if we can make up the time tomorrow - with the wet conditions the four-wheel drives have been really quick, and if it stays wet I don't think we'll have any chance," he added.

Day 5, the final day of Targa Tasmania, travels from Strachan to Hobart tomorrow.

Check out the great photos of Brendo and Rhianon in action in Targa Tasmania in Brendo's Gallery.