CEO’ s Message
THE OWL / THE MAGAZINE OF HUGHES HALL
My month in Motorsport
HUGH CHAMBERS CEO, MOTORSPORT UK
F irstly, huge congratulations to Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin on becoming FIA World Rally Champions, bringing the drivers’ title back to Britain for the first time since Richard Burns and Robert Reid in 2001. A richly deserved achievement, particularly after finishing runners-up five times in the previous six seasons.
And what an extraordinary way to win it! The championship came down to the final stage of the final rally, with Elfyn and Scott facing a straight fight against Toyota teammates Oliver Solberg and British co-driver Elliott Edmondson. With the finish almost in sight, Oliver looked set to snatch the title, only to slide off the road in the closing metres. A dramatic reminder of just how unpredictable and exciting our sport can be.
One couldn’ t help but feel for Oliver and Elliott, but after so many near misses, few could begrudge Elfyn and Scott their moment of glory. I have a particular connection with the Solberg family, having worked at Prodrive in 2003 when Oliver’ s father, Petter, won the World Rally Championship( WRC) in one of our Subaru Imprezas. I am sure Oliver will follow in his father’ s
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