Once the first season is over, there is another decision to make – whether to keep going or not. While money plays a major part in continuing the journey, the fun factor must never be underestimated either, and Toby concludes:“ Our way of going racing, ever since we started, is to say look, hopefully he will be quick and maybe get some podiums or wins, but the point is to have fun and to learn. While he is doing both of those, we will carry on …”
The Rally Journey
George Fenner-Leitao was born and raised in London, far from the legendary Rally stages of Wales, Scotland and Northern England. He got his first taste of motorsport karting on holidays but discovered he preferred off-track racing when his cousins, who live in the countryside, introduced him to their mountain buggies.
He became fascinated with the World Rally Championship, reading magazines and watching Rallies online, and as soon as he reached the right age, he desperately wanted to have a go.“ He could not wait,” recalls his dad, Terry.“ I think the trigger was when he went to see a Rally in person, in Wales. After that, he kept badgering us until we sort of gave in!”
A top-three finish for George in the rally-school Micra
George did his BARS test at the London Rally School – which is actually in Oxfordshire – and he recalls:“ I was nervous because I desperately wanted to get stuck into motorsport, but I was confident I would pass it, and I definitely enjoyed it. The hardest part was remembering all the Rally Stage signs, the first aid and safety protocols, and how to use the fire equipment.
“ I did the test in two cars – a two-wheel-drive Mk II Escort and a four-wheel drive Subaru Impreza – and it was great fun to experience the difference between the two car configurations. The practical test focused on general car control and adapting to different surfaces, because rallying is not just about going fast, it is about handling conditions and taking care of the car.”
Having successfully secured his licence, George’ s parents signed him up for regular sessions at Silverstone Rally School and he completed six half-days before entering a non-championship event in Wales, driving a rental Micra from the school. He got the‘ Best Newcomer’ award, and his parents decided to provide him with the budget for a full year of competition.
“ He was very late in the game, competing against people who had loads of seat time and who do not live in central London – but he showed good potential, so we stood behind him,” says Terry.“ He was the lead, and we were right behind him.”
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Revolution- July 2025