MotoGP rider Simoncelli tests Castrol Abu Dhabi team’s Ford Fiesta RS WRC

Marco Simoncelli and Mikko Hirvonen with Fiesta RS WRC

Castrol invited MotoGP rider, Marco Simoncelli to try out its latest World Rally machine first hand. The Italian rider was at the Carlisle airfield in Cumbria for his first outing in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC car. Simoncelli was joined by Castrol Abu Dhabi Ford racing team’s ace driver Mikko Hirvonen along the 50 km test route. It was not just Simoncelli who was the only bike rider invited. Jonathan Rea who races in the World Superbike championship for Honda was also present at the event.

Both riders were taken for a ride of their life with Mikko Hirvonen at the wheel of the Ford Fiesta RS WRC through the twisty forest stage to the M-Sport headquarters. There both the riders got a chance to learn more about the setup of the Ford Abu Dhabi world rally team. Simoncelli felt honoured to be invited by Castrol drive the awesome world rally machine while Hirvonen who is currently second in the championship was impressed by the Italians skills behind the wheel of his rally car and hinted that he could have a future in the sport after MotoGP.

Simoncelli at the wheel with Hirvonen in the background

Speaking about the event Marco Simoncelli said: “It’s an honour to be invited by Castrol to drive a car like this. It took me a little while to get used to the car but it is incredibly well balanced once you get the feel of the controls. It’s always useful to share race experience and technical knowledge with other drivers and riders and I’ve learnt a lot today from Mikko and the team.”

Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team driver Mikko Hirvonen said: “It’s great fun when Castrol allows us to meet other riders and drivers. Marco obviously has some serious talent. Considering it was his first time with this car, he put in some very impressive times. Maybe there’s a future for him in the WRC after MotoGP!”

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