February 2002

PRESS INFORMATION ... from Keith McGhie (Tel/Fax - 01274 671112) ... 18.2.2002

MANN SET TO CAUSE TV STIR

David Mann travels to Bournemouth for the opening round of the 2002 National Rally Championship sure to get more than a few glances from the series new sponsors.

Mann and co-driver Alun Cook have their gleaming Subaru impreza plastered in the decals of their main sponsors Pirelli and now find themselves among the pre-season favourites in a championship backed by rival tyre manufacturer Kumho.

Adding fuel to the fire will be the fact that part of Kumho's sponsorship includes a series of one hour highlights programmes on Sky Television in which Mann and Cook are sure to figure prominently!

The Bungay mushroom farmer, the 2000 Group N Champion, was runner-up in the overall title race last year on Pirelli tyres and had no doubts about using their purpose-designed rubber for the multi-surface seven round series this year.

Adrian Bourne of CSS Television, who will be filming the fortnightly shows entitled 'Kumho Rally Fever', was in no doubt where they stand and assured:

"These things happen in motorsport - there's nothing we can do about it. If David is prominent in the rally then we will definitely cover him!"

Mann meanwhile could be faced with another dilemma as each round carries a 'Driver of the Rally' award with the prize of a complete set of Kumho Tyres. He was equally adamant, saying: "I think what to do if and when it happens but I'll certainly be running on Pirellis - I'd probably have to give the tyres away if I won the award!"

The first programme - a season's preview featuring last year's action when Mann and Cook were pipped for the title in the final round - is due to be screened on Friday, March 1 on Sky Sports 3 at 5.30pm, repeated on the same channel at 8.30pm.

Highlights of Saturday's 2002 opening round - the Rally Sunseeker where Mann hopes to better last year's third place - go out on March 15th.

"It's what I call a point and squirt rally with short stages needing plenty of power and good brakes, both of which we have this year.

"But reigning champion Marcus Dodd (winner for the past three years) is going to take a lot of beating on home ground."

RALLYE SUNSEEKER (TOP 10 Entries)

1 Marcus Dodd/John Bennie Subaru Impreza WRC
2 Kenny McKinstry/Noel Orr Subaru Impreza WRC
3 David Mann/Alun Cook Flixton Mushrooms/Pirelli Subaru Impreza
4 Roger Duckworth/Mark Broomfield Subaru Impreza WRC
5 Steve Petch/John Richardson Hyundai Accent WRC
6 Gary Midwinter/Martin Saunders Ford Escort WRC
7 Andrew Burton/tba Peugeot Cosworth
8 Mark Perrott/Garry Mansell Ford Escort WRC
9 Brian Bell/Paul Morris Ford Focus WRC
10 Dave Wood/Les Waterfall Subaru Impreza

Rally Timetable:

Start in Bournemouth Square, 0815

Start Town Square 0815

Stage 1. Pavilion Gardens, 0818
Stage 2. Matchams 1 0840 (Please note that no spectators under 16 permitted at this venue)
Stage 3. Matchams 2 0857 (Please note that no spectators under 16 permitted at this venue)
Stage 4. Stapehill 0959
Stage 5. Ebblake 1 1022
Stage 6. Mount Ararat 1 1046
Stage 7. Somerley 1 1116
Stage 8. St Leonards 1 1242 (Please note that no spectators under 16 permitted at this venue)
Stage 9 St Leonards 2 1259 (Please note that no spectators under 16 permitted at this venue)
Stage 10 Uddens Water 1345
Stage 11 Ebblake 2 1408
Stage 12 Mount Ararat 2 1432
Stage 13 Somerley 2 1502
Stage 14 St Leonards 3 1628 (Please note that no spectators under 16 permitted at this venue)
Stage 15 St Leonards 4 1645 (Please note that no spectators under 16 permitted at this venue)
Stage 16 Pavillion Gardens 2 1716

Finish Town Square 1800

The team wish to express their thanks to Bill Gwynne Motorsport, Bill Gwynne Rallyschool International, Pirelli, Competition Car Insurance, and Flixton Mushrooms