Late Rome surge gives ERC’s Armstrong Zlín hope

Armstrong finished 17th on the Italian asphalt round and slipped from fourth to sixth in the provisional standings as a result.  

But the M-Sport driver heads to Barum Czech Rally Zlín next week (16 - 18 August) with a confidence hike alongside co-driver Eoin Treacy.  

“It was a promising stage time [on SS10] and I know I can do those sorts of stages,” the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy-backed driver said. “That stage seemed to suit where we are with set-up and everything seemed to be in a better window of rhythm. Shame it couldn’t be like that all the time but sometimes you have rallies like this and we’re not the only ones.”

Armstrong, who pilots a Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta Rally2 in the ERC, pointed to “a combination of things” going wrong for his lack of return in Rome.  

“We didn’t have the best test and we were chasing set-up since then. Of course, you can drive around set-up issues but on a twisty rally like this where you’re asking so much of the tyres all the time and have got all the heat to deal with, it wasn’t easy.  

“I’ve done some rallies in the car but this was only the second one on Tarmac and we still have a lot to learn it looks like but it’s getting closer. Hopefully we can have a good debrief and hit the ground running for the next rallies.”