Rally: Sorry, this ain't such a grape job

Jul 28 2006 Western Mail

I'VE just come back from what became an extended test in Germany - in preparation for the forthcoming Rally Deutschland.

It's an asphalt rally and, as you know, that's not our best surface.

Our Pirelli-shod Subaru Impreza is much happier on gravel and while we know we can challenge for the lead on every loose surface event, we're equally aware that we can't on Tarmac.

The test was pretty good, however, and we did find a few things to improve the car.

This year is turning into a bit of a hard slog and Petter Solberg, myself and everyone in the Subaru World Rally Team really aren't getting the results we maybe deserve.

But that's sport and we have to keep trying.

So last week was spent driving through the twisty asphalt roads of the Mosel Valley.

It's a lovely part of the world - rich with historic castles, vineyards and half-timbered villages. We actually stayed in a vineyard and spent all day driving past rows of grapes at 130mph.

The sad thing is we were so busy that we never got to taste any of the wine.

One day, when I've retired from competition, I'm going to return to all the wonderful places I've been and just do the tourist things.

I've often checked into a hotel at midnight and left at six the next morning and not actually seen where I was staying in daylight.

One day I'd like go back to places like Rally Deutschland and try some of those nice Rieslings we raced passed; to Rally Argentina to ride a horse across the Pampas; go deep-sea fishing off the coast of West Australia and to actually step inside the Casino in Monte Carlo.

The Monte Carlo Rally starts from right outside the main entrance in Casino Square and that's as close as I've ever been.

To be fair, I'm not paid to go on holiday, but the moment you arrive in say New Zealand you start work and then you're on the earliest plane home after the event has finished because there is another test or another rally the following week.

But one day. . .