Overnight Leader
Peugeot’s Justin Dale had a great first stage on the Jim Clark Rally in Duns, in the Scottish borders, to take the overnight lead. His TOTAL supported Peugeot 106 Super 1600 only needed a top up of that Quartz 9000 in the 10 minute service at the end of the first Leg.
Starting first on the road is always difficult as it is hard to find the position of the following cars. However, on this 14.8 mile demanding test in the crisp dark autumn evening Justin pulled out a substantial 5.8 second lead from Ford rival Martin Rowe.
Rowe had confirmation at a mid point in the stage that he was 1 second up, but was finding his car a "bit untidy - bouncing around a lot". He was quite bemused by the turnaround in the margin at the stage end.
Dale meantime commented "I was really pushing on in there, and got away with a few slides. A few near overshoots as well, but everything came right. Had a huge moment as I took the big jump in there flat in 6th. Just magic!"
12 further stages will greet them tomorrow, and it is hoped that there will be no overnight rain, although the forecast is fine. "All I’m going to do is concentrate on Martin tomorrow" Justin added, "the two of us have quite a lead already over the rest of the field."
The main battle for the drivers championship is between Justin and Martin so nothing will be spared in the battle tomorrow. Also, the manufacturers margin is a mere 2 points, with Ford just slightly ahead.
2nd November 2001
