PROTON Motorsports’ team principal Chris Mellors has described his drivers’ performance on the opening morning of Barum Czech Rally Zlín as “very positive” after PG Andersson and Giandomenico Basso completed the first five stages of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier in ninth and 16th positions respecitvely.
“It’s a very tough rally so it’s good to see PG in ninth place,” said Mellors. “Giandomenico had a spin [on stage five] and that dropped him down a little but generally it’s been very positive. But it’s not an easy rally, very bumpy, very rough and very fast so a combination of everything. We’re quite happy and we’re much closer to the pace.”
Mellors singled out Andersson’s performance as being particularly impressive with the Swede making his debut on the asphalt event. “He’s taken the bull by the horns and he’s having a go, which is great. He’s quite happy with his set-up but Giandomenico is having some suspension changes in service to get him a bit happier but just small changes.”