Frenchman and 2003 JWRC Champion Brice Tirabassi and co-driver Fabrice Gordon have made a start to the first of two rallies they will contest with the Subaru World Rally Team.

After shakedown for RallyRACC Catalunya, Brice was feeling positive about the duo’s progress on their competitive debut with a works WRC team and looking forward to the first tomorrow which gets underway at 0816hrs local time tomorrow morning (Friday 3 October).

“The car is very good for me, and I have a good feeling with it” he commented. “I have a big smile after this morning! I’m learning the car and the team, but this morning has been very good. We had no problems and did lots of good running, which all helps my experience in this car. This weekend I will learn as much as I can to put myself in the best position for next weekend in Corsica, where I want to push harder and go more for times.”

The duo successfully completed five runs at shakedown and, getting faster with every run, slashed six seconds off their stage time between their first run and their last.