Wilks Scoops Two British Titles For Dealer Team Suzuki Part One

Dealer Team Suzuki’s driver Guy Wilks was crowned 2004 British Super 1600 Rally Champion and British Junior Rally Champion after the Trackrod Rally, despite not even competing in the event. Wilks’ only challenger for the British titles, Jonnie Wigmore (Ford Puma) finished third in class on this weekend’s event in Yorkshire, giving Wilks an unassailable lead going into next month’s final round.

Wilks is also still firmly in contention for the Junior World Rally Championship after finishing second in the Super 1600 class at this weekend’s Rally d’Italia on the island of Sardinia. The 23-year-old from Darlington was part of a stunning Suzuki lock-out of the top four places, with Per-Gunnar Andersson winning from Wilks by 2m 14.2s and the team’s other drivers Mirco Baldacci and Kosti Katajamaki following the Englishman home.

“Another fantastic result for Suzuki where we locked-out the podium,” commented Suzuki Team Manager Risto Laine. “All the drivers have been in great form and once again we have proven the incredible reliability and performance of the Ignis.”

Guy goes into the final round in Catalunya with a three point lead over team mate Andersson (Suzuki Ignis) and will now be trying to become a triple rally champion, when he tackles the Spanish tarmac event at the end of October. He commented: “I’m really fired up for the challenge in the Junior World Rally Championship at the final round in Spain. I’ll be giving it my best shot to add the world championship to my two British titles and finish what would be a terrific year for myself, Phil and Suzuki GB.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic at winning the two British Championships, although to win it when not competing feels slightly strange! I’m very pleased for Suzuki GB, because they have put faith in myself and co-driver Phil Pugh and money in British Rallying, and we’ve come up trumps. To be champions in our first year is very, very satisfying.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the team this year, everyone from Suzuki GB, the team Monster Sport Europe and my co-driver Phil Pugh. I hope Suzuki’s success in this year’s British Championship will help give more credit to the championship and encourage more manufacturers into the sport.”

Wilks’ co-driver Phil Pugh (Towyn, Gwynedd) was equally pleased his driver had secured two British titles, although he needs a further four points from the Tempest Rally in Aldershot to secure the British Super 1600 co-drivers’ title.