Good start for Brendo at Rally Queensland

Brendo and Rhianon have begun their assault on the International of Rally Queensland with two consistent runs around the rally's Super Special stage tonight.

With the aim of their weekend being to secure a good result and earn a nomination for the Pirelli Star Driver award, and the chance to compete in the Global Qualifying Shootout in Europe later in the year, Brendo and Rhianon are focussing on a smooth, clean run over the weekend.

After recording the fastest time amongst the Asia Pacific Rally Championship contenders on today's Shakedown stage (held over the same course as tonight's Super Special stage), Brendo went into the rally's first stage full of confidence, despite a pre-event preparation that didn't go according to plan.  With heavy rain falling in the days leading up to the rally, Brendo's pre-event testing and recce were both hindered by the weather, but after a day of sunshine today, he is hoping for better road conditions over the weekend.

Tonight's Super special stage consisted of two runs around a 2.31 kilometre tarmac stage through Caloundra's industrial estate.

The rally's forestry stages get underway tomorrow (Saturday, July 31) with eight stages, followed by a further eight stages on Sunday.

Please check back regularly over the weekend for rally updates and photos.