Rally Liege Press Report
Ian James and Tim Babbage representing the Federation of British Police Motor Clubs travelled to Belgium to take part in the 53rd International Police Rally in their GrpA BMW M3 prepared by RPM Performance.
The Gentleman to the right of the image - Ian James
A strong field of 5 Guy Coulsol Evo 9 Mitsubishis headed the field being driven by top Finnish and Belgian police rally crews. A lone WRC Subaru and Ian's BMW making up the top seven starters.
Ian finished second last year, and was looking to go one better. Bob Stokoe was away on BRC duties so Ian had enrolled Tim Babbage from the Avon & Somerset police to sit alongside him for the first time.
Castermans and Bourguinon from Belgium last years winners started at number one in a Group A Evo 9, followed by Erkki Vikman and Kari Mustalahti from Finland in the number two slot. The weather was warm and dry and suited the BMW, and we were soon trading times with the Grp N Evo 9 of Franco Arlotti and Alain Duchene from the Liege police.
On the last loop of four stages Arlotti was just 2 seconds ahead. On the first stage Arlotti dropped 5 seconds, an uncharacteristic error, or just a bit of pressure. On the second stage he was 4 seconds faster. On the penultimate stage Ian pulled the stops out and was 5 seconds faster, an all or nothing run which was as near perfect as one could get!!. And on the final stage Arlotti was just one second faster. Ian & Tim finishing 3rd overall and 1st in class, beating Franco and Alain by just 3 seconds.
Franco was as ever generous in defeat, we had wagered rally jackets to the winner, so I picked up a very smart Royal Auto Motor Union of Liege rally jacket to add to the collection!
A great rally, and thanks to Baz, Lester Owen who prepared the engine, and the service team of Craig and Mark who had a rather uneventful day.
