THRILLING START FOR THE SUZUKI JUNIORS IN SARDINIA

The Junior World Rally Championship competition in Sardinia has got off to a thrilling start, with Suzuki Sport Europe driver Michal Kosciuszko just 3.7 seconds off the lead of the category at the end of day one. His team mate Jaan Molder has ended the day fifth (only 12.3 seconds off fourth). The identical Suzuki Swift Super 1600 of Florian Niegel, run by Suzuki Rallye Junior Team Germany, is sixth - on Niegel's second-ever World Rally. In total, Kosciuszko's Swift has set two fastest stage times, underlining the speed and reliability of the Swift in these challenging conditions. All three of the cars have steered clear of major problems throughout today's six stages - despite a puncture for Molder in the afternoon - underlining the form that saw Suzuki claim the Junior World Rally Championship class win in Sardinia last year.
Tomorrow the duel for the lead will take place over six more gravel stages, totalling 134.60 kilometres: the longest day of the rally. With some rain still possible, the scene is set for another fascinating day of action over the rocky Sardinian stages.

News from Jaan Molder (Suzuki Swift n.32):
"It's been quite a difficult day for us today, but at least we are still in the battle. I wasn't so happy with my feeling with the brakes of the car in the morning: the brakes were not fading but it felt inconsistent. In the afternoon they were fine. We've also had difficulties in getting good traction and a puncture on the last stage, which we had to drive with for 10 kilometres. For the two-wheel drive cars this is a real challenge: the main thing will be just to get to the finish."

News from Michal Kosciuszko (Suzuki Swift n.35):
"I've really enjoyed today, and it's been good to be in the middle of such an exciting battle for the lead. However, the driving style for this event has been very specific: it's almost been a question of trying to drive slowly in order to be quick. Because the roads are slippery and there is not so much traction you have to be very smooth. There were many times when I thought I had gone into a corner too slowly, but actually the car was struggling for grip and traction in the corner - so if anything the approach was too quick. I'm very happy though: I think we've got the best set-up car in the service park!"

News from Florian Niegel (Suzuki Swift n.43):
"Apart from a puncture in the morning, I've had no problems today. But I think there's still a lot of speed to come out of me rather than the car, which is very good on this surface. I'm still lacking in experience, particularly on these roads, as I didn't do a pre-event test. For me it's clear that I need to concentrating on learning both the car and the stages without taking any risks. In the afternoon we changed the set-up: we softened the suspension and raised the front of the car, and this seemed to work well. I'm looking forward to finding out more tomorrow..."