Van Merksteijn Motorsport Rally Australia final leg summary

Van Merksteijn jr. scores valuable manufacturer point in WRC Rally Australia

Peter van Merksteijn and Eddy Chevaillier, Citroën DS3 WRC

Photo by: Citroën Communication

Peter van Merksteijn jr. finished in the WRC Rally Australia in 13th position and scored 4 valuable manufacturer points in the classification for WRC Teams. After being struck by multiple punctures on the opening day, Peter jr. steered together with co-driver Erwin Mombaerts his Citroën DS3 WRC through the Australian countryside to the finish in Coffs Harbour.

The first day of the Rally Australia was one to forget quickly for Peter jr. The previous night rain showers fell in the area of the special stages which made the roads very slippery. Nevertheless drove Peter jr. His DS3 WRC to a impressive 8th position in the overall classification. On the second stage of the afternoon he suffered from multiple punctures preventing him from completing the remaining special stages.

On Saturday luck was again on the side of Peter jr. and was he able again to set competitive times with the DS3 WRC. In the morning settled down in his natural rhythm and during the afternoon the Van Merksteijn Motorsport driver was very quick and finished three consecutive times in eighth position on the beautiful special stages on the east coast of the continent. On the jetty of the rally’s home town, Coffs Harbour, two short spectator stages were planned where Peter jr. thrilled the spectators with a spectacular drive without endangering his classification.

On the final day of the Rally Australia the remaining competitors had to tackle the last 6 special stages including the closing stage of the four day event, the Power Stage which was broadcasted live on television. Starting the day in 15th position Peter jr. and Erwin managed to climb two more places in the classification with which they secured 4 valuable points for the championship for manufacturers.

“I have been looking forward to this rally from the start of the season and it is really great to drive here. The punctures on Friday were very disappointing as with it a finish well within the top ten went out of the window” told Peter van Merksteijn jr. after the finish. “On Saturday we set our minds to finishing the rally and score as many championship points in the manufacturers’ classification. It has been great fun to drive this rally and I have enjoyed the beautiful stages very much.”