In just a short space of time Symtech Racing has built a new Subaru Impreza R4 and this weekend the new car will be seen in action for the first time with Hayden Paddon on the Wales Rally GB.
The timescale in which Symtech’s latest car was built may have been short, but the Belgian team rose to the challenge just as successfully as it has always done. Once again it was a race against time to be ready, but by Sunday Hayden Paddon was able to test out his latest toy at Walter’s Arena in Wales.
The entire project has been supported by STI, Subaru’s motorsport division, which has been keeping a close eye on operations throughout.
Rui Soares, Symtech Racing engineer: "It’s clear that this car represents a big step forward in a number of areas. Of course there’s the weight (with around 80 kilograms saved compared to a Group N car, in our estimation) but also the freedom with the suspension, which makes this R4 car a thoroughbred rally machine, especially on loose surfaces. In this, we’ve received a huge help from our partner Reiger, who has been able to work with our first prototype car in very little time. The test last Sunday went really well. Hayden was pleased with both the handling and the quality of his new car and we were very happy with some of the times we saw during the session."
Hayden Paddon: "I was really keen to find out what the new R4 would be like. From the first few metres, I was really pleasantly surprised. The car reacts instantly and it’s easy to feel how much lighter it is. I think that this car is close to a Super 2000 now; there’s just a bit of power and a sequential gearbox missing. I’m not going to say exactly what my target is for this weekend – but it’s definitely an ambitious one!"
The Symtech Racing Subaru Impreza R4 will start Wales Rally GB as number 19 and is sure to attract plenty of attention. After a superspecial stage on Thursday night in Llandudno, the rally gets underway properly on Friday 11 November.