Cronin delays WRC2 assault

Former triple British Rally Champion Keith Cronin is delaying his assault on the WRC2 category of the 2015 World Rally Championship.

The 28-year-old intended opening his account at Rallye Monte Carlo but has shelved that plan to ensure he has the majority of the resources in place for the entire series.

He explained: “I want to have a substantial part of the budget for the series in place before I start and that is the primary reason why I’m not doing the Monte. I’m a bit disappointed (not to compete) but there is no point going there if one isn’t fully prepared and that is the case. It would have been nice to get it on my CV but it’s not the end of the world”

Cronin is hoping to attract Irish and overseas sponsors, especially those that need exposure on European markets whilst also benefiting from the championship publicity on the world stage.

He has selected six events — a mixture of gravel and tarmac rallies and has targeted Portugal in late May as the beginning of his itinerary followed by rounds in Italy, Germany, France, Spain and will conclude with Rally GB.

The revised calendar is far more compact and should benefit Cronin, a former Motorsport Ireland International Driver of the Year Award winner. “Looking at those six events you’re not out of the car for any long period. Obviously before Portugal I will have to do some event, I would like to do something preferably on gravel some time in April.”

Having previous experiences of all six events was the main reason for the selection. “I know Portugal has changed for 2015 but it is a huge help to know the terrain of the various countries. I know that from my WRC3 outings and having gone to spectate at some events is even a help.”

Cronin is quite comfortable with the system of two passes over the stages in reconnaissance. “I’m well used to that and then of course you have the DVD and you can go back over that to check things.”

Cronin will drive the Citroen DS3 R5 he debuted on the Cork “20” International Rally last October where he made an instant impact by setting the fastest time on the first stage.

However, two minor off road excursions ended his battle with the more powerful Ford Fiesta WRC of Darragh O’Riordan and Cronin finished second. One of those excursions came after a spin and his team has since sourced the problem.

“It was traced to a differential issue. The range in the damper settings wasn’t there either, now they are being sorted. I’m happy but there is a good bit of work to be done, we are in touch with Citroen and there are a couple of upgrades coming.”

Irish interest in WRC2 should be strong, already Craig Breen will contest seven rounds in tandem with his ERC campaign; Alastair Fisher and Robert Barrable are also eyeing up the category.

Meanwhile, there’s a strong Irish contingent heading for Rallye Monte Carlo, the opening round of the World Rally Championship.

Citroen’s Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle will occupy the No. 3 berth; Craig Breen (Peugeot 208 T16) is seeded at No. 33; Monaghan’s Daniel McKenna/Andrew Greenan (Citroen DS3) are at No. 54 with the Wexford/Waterford duo of Eamonn Boland/Mickey Joe Morrissey (Subaru) at No.76.

Donegal drivers Declan Boyle and Donagh Kelly will tackle next month’s Galway International Rally and the Abbeyleix Rally, the respective opening rounds of the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Championship and the Triton Showers National Rally Championship before making any decision on their plans.