Tristan Charpentier and KMS Racing celebrated a podium in Croatia
Making his debut on tarmac with a four-wheel-drive Ford Fiesta Rally3, Tristan Charpentier finished third in class at the Quattro River Rally. The Frenchman’s main objective was to gain experience for the WRC Croatia, contested in two weeks time.
The official M-Sport Partner in Finland, KMS Racing, has finished third in class at the Quattro River Rally with the bright young talent Tristan Charpentier and Belgian co-driver Thomas Walbrecq. Driving only his second event with the four-wheel-drive Ford Fiesta Rally3, the former single seater driver made most of his tarmac debut with the car taking home the important kilometres in preparation for the WRC Croatia, contested in two weeks.
Charpentier began the event carefully, finishing the short super special with a ninth fastest time. The 23-year-old began the charge on the second stage of Saturday elevating himself up to fourth in category. By the time of evening service, Charpentier was running third in class.
The goal for the Sunday’s 58 special stage kilometres was to learn as much as possible, and bring the podium home. Charpentier did exactly that, finishing his first tarmac rally with a four-wheel-drive on the podium.
-The weekend was good for us. We were able to test a few things for WRC Croatia, and we are well prepared and ready for it. We managed a good result here and we had a decent pace throughout the weekend, only on our second outing with the car. Thanks to the team and the rally organizers for a great event, Charpentier commented.
WRC Croatia will be contested from 18th to 21st of April. KMS Racing’s competitive season continues next weekend with Rally di Alba.
Quattro River Rally Karlovac results – Class 1
1. Romet Jurgenson 57:30,6 Ford Fiesta Rally3 EST
2. Ali Turkkan +8,3 Ford Fiesta Rally3 TUR
3. Tristan Charpentier +1:16,9 Ford Fiesta Rally3 FRA
4. Viliam Prodan +2:10,5 Ford Fiesta Rally3 HRV
5. Eamonn Kelly +2:17,9 Ford Fiesta Rally3 IRL
Photo: No Stint Media
