KUIPERS WELCOMES THE TWO FACES OF SPAIN

News release on behalf of FERM Power Tools World Rally Team

The FERM Power Tools World Rally Team enters the longest rally of the season later this week in the Ford Fiesta RS WRC. Rally de Espana is 406.52 kilometres and is held on two different surfaces: gravel, on the opening day and thereafter, asphalt. "The transition from gravel to asphalt requires a completely different driving style," says Kuipers.

As a result of the historic fifth position in France both Kuipers and his navigator Frederic Miclotte made frequent media appearances. The duo did many interviews for newspapers, radio and television in the Netherlands and Belgium. Now they can focus again on Rally de Espana.

"We really enjoyed our fifth position and the attention from fans and the media. Now our full focus is on Spain,” said Kuipers. "In Spain we start again from scratch. The ceremonial start on Thursday is followed by six special stages on Friday, which are mostly gravel.”

The second day will change from gravel to asphalt including the infamous El Priorat stage, which is 45.97 km and will be driven twice. “The asphalt is almost like circuit asphalt,” says Miclotte: "The experience of last year will certainly come in handy as 75% of the special stage is the same as 2010.”

The FERM duo wants to improve the eleventh position of last year. “The good result in France increased our confidence. We have grown this season on both surfaces, which are both on the agenda for Spain,” says Kuipers.


FERM RALLY FACT
Rally de Espana is the only mixed surface race of the season. Since last year the WRC pilots compete on both gravel and asphalt. "Driving on two surfaces means that we are actually driving two very different cars, everything is different ranging from tyres, suspension to brakes. On the first day the Ford Fiesta RS WRC is tuned for gravel then rebuilt for asphalt explains Dennis Kuipers. “The transition from gravel to asphalt requires a completely different driving style.  It will provide an interesting challenge, I'm excited!”