Rochdale rally driver Steve Brown celebrated an unforgettable experience as he completed his first outing in a Volkswagen Polo GTi R5 at the Salford Van Hire Neil Howard Stages on Saturday [2 November].
Tackling the Oulton Park circuit in one of the most advanced rally cars of his career, Brown’s day was filled with numerous challenges, but his proven adaptability ensured that he and co-driver Paul Stringer could secure an impressive 12th overall finish from a start list of 105 competitors.
Known for his usual weapon of choice, a front-wheel-drive Nissan Micra Kit Car, Brown stepped up to the formidable four-wheel-drive R5 Polo thanks to a generous gift from his parents.
With its turbocharged engine and four-wheel-drive, the Polo GTi R5 represents a major leap from Brown’s regular rally machine, and his first foray into the R5 category, a step just below the elite Rally1 level of the World Rally Championship.
Although the transition to such a powerful car came with its share of learning moments, Brown embraced each challenge. “The car ran faultlessly all day, with no issues, other than the driver,” Brown said at the finish. “I had a fair few stalls and one or two high-speed spins, but I was still smiling the entire time.”
The day’s early stages saw Brown familiarizing himself with the R5’s handling and all-wheel-drive capabilities. However, as he gained confidence, his comfort with the car was reflected in his stage times. By the eighth and final stage, Brown was able to secure the 8th-fastest time, a testament to his quick adaptation and determination to make the most of the opportunity.
“The R5 Polo is a different beast compared to the Micra,” Brown explained. “There’s so much power and grip, and you can really feel the car wanting to go faster. Towards the end of the day, I started to get the hang of it, and we managed to set some solid times.”
The Polo GTi R5 was prepared and supported by the team at Rally Sport Connections, and Brown’s weekend was made easier by the professional outfit.
“I have to thank Dommy at RSC and the fantastic service crew who kept everything running smoothly,” he shared. “And the messages, phone calls, and support from friends and family really kept me motivated. A special thank you goes to Alan and Pauline for making this opportunity possible. Their belief in me is something I truly cherish.”
Reflecting on his time at Oulton Park, Brown was appreciative of each stage and every moment behind the wheel. “I loved every stage, from the thrill of the impressive starts you get with the Polo to the usual challenges of a circuit-based event. It was a fantastic experience,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2025, Brown will return to his familiar Nissan Micra Kit Car for the rally season but is already hopeful for another opportunity with the R5 in the future. “I’ve got some exciting plans for next season, and I’ll be back in the Micra, but I’d love to get behind the wheel of an R5 again someday. There’s nothing quite like it,” he said.
Steve is sponsored by Fuchs Lubricants, PIAA UK, Questmead, Mintex, Brake Prep, SD Graphics, and Magnum Motorsport.