JWRC
Armstrong on top of the world after Croatia win
26 Apr 2021
Jon Armstrong claimed a popular first Junior WRC on Croatia Rally, finishing 33.5 seconds ahead of nearest rival, Martins Sesks. The result trumped Armstrong's expectations as it was only his fourth rally in three and a half years.
Croatia Rally winner
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Defying the doubters
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“Part of me wanting to come back this year was proving to myself I can still do it while proving to others who don’t think I’ve got it anymore,” said Armstrong. "Huge thanks to everyone who got me here. It’s been a big battle but thanks to those that made it happen."
Feel good Friday
Armstrong and co-driver Phil Hall had a steady start to Croatia Rally with an 8th fastest opening stage time. It didn't take the pair long to find their rhythm and as confidence grew they scored four top-three stage times to finish Day 1 third in Junior WRC.
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Stage wins on Saturday
Saturday was the turning point in Junior WRC. As class leaders fell by the wayside, Armstrong "found his mojo" and took the Junior WRC lead. The DiRT Rally crew went fastest on two stages, the second a remarkable 14 seconds quicker than their closest competitor.
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Despite holding a comfortable lead on Sunday morning, Armstrong and Hall, kept up their impressive pace to extend their JWRC lead. A slow puncture on the final stage wasn't enough to stop the pair taking a memorable debut win together.
A special Sunday
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“It’s been really good to win but there are some very fast drivers in this category and I know I need to keep improving. “We’ve made a good start but if I’m going to win the championship I need to be faster and smarter, find the performance and stay out of trouble."
Eyes on Portugal
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Croatia Rally results
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1. Armstrong / Hall 2. Sesks / Francis 3. Joona / Koponen 4. Koci / Tesinsky 5. Creighton / Regan 6. Pajari / Salminen
3:15:07.6s +33.5 +48.8 +2:46.1 +3:35.5 +3:36.7
Junior WRC standings
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1. Armstrong / Hall 2. Sesks / Francis 3. Pajari / Salminen 4. Joona / Koponen 5. Koci / Tesinsky 6. Creighton / Regan
27 pts 18 17 16 15 10
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