MOTORSPORT: Impressive WRC debut for Devine in Sweden

CALLUM Devine’s debut on the WRC stage was a successful one at the Rally of Sweden last weekend.

The 23 year-old finished a very creditable 6th in the Junior WRC class from a starting field of 18 crews.

The race was won by Swedish driver Dennis Rådström, who was 6:27.9 ahead of Devine.  The Park man finished just under five minutes behind 5th placed Terry Folb of France.

The rally began with the first of 19 stages on Thursday night, with a hectic two days of action on Friday and Saturday, before ending with three stages on Sunday morning.

“I was happy enough and I don’t think I could have done much more,” Devine told the County Derry Post.  “We said we would go over and do the best we could, learn as much as we could and we met those targets.

“From a driving point of view, stepping into that World Championship level I realised how crucial everything comes into it.  From making my notes, your fitness and your organisation.  You have to be switched on all the time.”

The cut and thrust of the weekend’s action was the pinnacle of Devine’s career so far and he noticed the difference from the more relaxed and friendly environment of the British championship.

“Over there (WRC) it is a different level and everyone is there to win.  It is like a train and if you are not on it, you are left behind.  Everyone is at the top of their game and any percentages they have, they keep them to themselves.”

Devine referenced the level of experience of winner Rådström, second placed Emil Bergqvist and the leading pack.

“It is a three year programme.  You need to have WRC experience if you want to really be at that pace.  The boy who finished in front of me (Folb), this is his third year.  He is going to Corsica (round two) and expects to win.  He expects to go to Portugal and win.”

One of the main factors, according to Devine, was getting used to the level in the tricky snowy conditions.

“It probably sounds weird, but we were using it as a test,” added Devine.  “Our driving style was changing with every stage.  If we went into one stage and we were driving too aggressive we went to the next stage and drove a bit smoother and tidier.

“We got quicker and quicker over the weekend.  You can go away and know if you go back to the rally, you’ll be quicker again.”

Next up for Devine and Moriarty is Corsica in April.  Before that, there are plans for more preparation.

“We are going to do a rally back home on tarmac, in a Fiesta to get the seat time and get a better understanding of the car."