Successful test session for Brendo

Brendo and Rhianon spent Wednesday testing their Subaru Impreza STi ahead of this weekend's Rally Whangarei.  The pair have leased the car from New Zealander Brad Ayling, and despite yesterday being  the first time they had been inside the car, Brendo came away more than impressed.

"We probably did around 60 kilometres of testing on the 1.7km stage," he said.  "It was a really good piece of road as the conditions changed from dry to muddy, giving us a good indication of what we'll have to deal with this weekend."

"We have set the car up similar to last year (when he drove a different Subaru Impreza, owned by Emma Gilmour), and I'm confident that we'll be able to come away with a good result."

"Rhianon felt really comfortable in the car and calling the notes, and given that it's almost a year since she has competed on gravel, that's a great sign.  Yesterday's session was really good preparation for the rally," Brendo added.

Today (Thursday) the pair will do their reconnaissance for the event, before scrutineering. Shakedown and the ceremonial start of Rally Whangarei will take place on Friday.

Brendo and Rhianon are contesting the Pacific Cup component of the event, which is also round four of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship.

WATCH A VIDEO OF BRENDO AND RHIANON TESTING AT RALLY WHANGAREI