Dumfries based Albatec Racing Team Principal Andy Scott will make his Martinique Rallye Tour (MRT) debut this weekend (20-22 July), in his 2017-spec Ford Fiesta R5. Supported once again by Motis, Rock Oil and Teng Tools, Andy returns to the Caribbean for the third time this year and will be joined by Barbadian co-driver Tony Pile who sat alongside him on the recent Sol Rally Barbados.
The former open rallycross champion and twice British Rallycross Championship runner-up is dovetailing his rallying career with appearances in British and European RX. Most recently, his outing in the latest round of the FIA European Rallycross Championship in Sweden saw a superb performance net two race wins and the seventh fastest overall heat time on his way to securing a place in the semi-finals.
Andy’s return to rallying started last year when he rented a Mk I Ford Escort for Sol Rally Barbados with Rashid Philipps as co-driver, running third in class before a technical issue saw them crash out on the penultimate stage. This year the Dumfries racer contested the Carter’s Pit Stop Stages as a shakedown to Sol RB18, where Philipps returned to the co-driver’s seat, when they finished ninth overall and fourth in class.
Last time out on Sol RB18, Andy was joined by Tony for their first event together. The pair set some impressive stage times on their way to 11th overall and third in class. This year’s MRT marks the first appearance for both of them, as they look to improve on their performance last time out.
The fourth Martinique Rallye Tour gets underway on 20th July and consists of 146 kilometres over 16 special stages.
If you haven’t already seen Andy in action on his previous event, click here to see him competing on Sol Rally Barbados.
Andy Scott, Team Principal Albatec Racing:
“I’m excited to be heading back to the Caribbean to contest the Martinique Rallye Tour, another new event for me. The competition there will be even more fierce with a bigger entry of R5s and although I’m not sure yet of the calibre of the drivers taking part, I’m sure they’ll all put up a strong fight. I’m looking forward to a new challenge.
“The first goal is to finish the rally. It’s hard to pitch expectations at this time until I can see the level of competition, but I’m certain it will be an enjoyable experience. I’m also looking forward to working with Tony again after our good run in Barbados. It will be a new event for him too, but I’m confident in his ability to get us through the stages.”
Images ©HimalReece
