Monday 11th February 2013

Time For Tea: Rally Sweden in a Mk2 Escort

Petter Solberg takes on home event in a rally classic. Rest of world does an excited noise.

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It was once said by a man I know that no car dances like a Mk2 Escort. This video proves the truth behind that statement.

At first glance, it might look like a classic rally video that’s been remastered and sharpened up with the aid of some clever video technology. Either that, or a lucky amateur getting to experience the thrill of clubman rallying from behind the wheel of one of the most iconic rally cars ever. But no. In fact, it’s a world rally event – Rally Sweden, no less – and helming the Mk2 is none other than Petter Solberg.

The video was shot on the first Historic Rally Sweden, which, as you might imagine, is like Rally Sweden, but specifically for historic rally cars. Like Solberg’s Escort, which was prepared by Viking Motorsport, the rally preparation company set up by his former co-driver Phil Mills. Of course, that left a vacancy in the co-driver’s seat, which was filled by Petter’s wife Pernilla. Once you’ve watched the video, head on over to AxisOfOversteer’s story on this for a superb shot of the husband-and-wife team in ... erm ... a ‘compromising’ position.

[Source:AxisOfOversteer]

 

 

[AdeV]

Excellent visuals, shame about the shouty commentary ruining the Escort's song.

[NITO]

All very lovely, but if you want something to comment on, check this story out on that axis of oversteer website!!

http://blog.axisofoversteer.com/2012/09/the-lamest...

[OldSpeed]

[LordPetroleum]

OldSpeed said:

A new cure for piles?

There just isnt enough opposite lock in the world.

[Oddball RS]

Excitable lot aren't they.

[ian_touring]

AdeV said:

Excellent visuals, shame about the shouty commentary ruining the Escort's song.

Great driving, fully committed!! (sp?)
It's nice to see Davros has left his evil taking-over-the-world ways behind him.

[soad]

Thanks for that, now I'll spend hours on youtube!

Such a skinny tyres compared to the modern cars.

[velocemitch]

Studded Ice Tyres, moderns use those too.

Superb clip.

[Charlie Foxtrot]

Who gave that guy a microphone and told him to shout over the sound of a BDA?

[YorkshirePudding]

There's something about a Grp4 Escort thats just,

[silvagod]

Not only did Petter enter, he won the event. He was 2nd to a quattro for quite a while.

Also, it's not just Petter that can pedal an escort...

Check out Jari-Matti Latvala

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0MANBDX4Ag

[GravelBen]

Latvala likes Escorts too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWBOKD6fGu0


ETA: Doh, beaten to it!

[fttm]

Both Ogier and Hirvonen have GP4 Escorts too , makes the current WRC lame to watch by comparison .

[Ritchie335is]

I wish that dick would shut up. Ruined the clip for me.

[Figgle]

silvagod said:

Check out Jari-Matti Latvala

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0MANBDX4Ag

Stunning skills. Rally is the premier motorsport, F1 can take a hike, it's these boys who have the car control.

Love RWD Escorts too, definitely on The Car List

[stuckmojo]

How much better would WRC be with cars like these Escorts instead of bubble-shaped Fiestas and Minis?

[Andy ap]

Love it when our Scandinavian friends shout Oy Oy Oy Oy. Love it's just great!

[garypotter]

Great vid, lovely noise from the esort engine, just needed plenty of cow bells instead of the man on the tannoy.

[dinkel]

Dad had one. But not with a BDA. This red screamer dove in La Source a tad too quick and had to do a full Solberg to haul the 180 hairpin. Applause by a pack of shooters and the marshalls. Some sight!

[dinkel]

Oh: at 50 likes I can do a poster print offer. If mods don't like I fully respect that and they may ditch this post at once. Cheers all!