Even before the end of the championship, Honda and team Evans Motorsport, supported by Motul, could congratulate themselves on having bagged the two-wheel drive title, thanks to the performances of their duo Eli Evans and Glen Weston. This result came after their undisputed win in the Coffs Coast Rally, on 13 and 14 October.
'What a fantastic result for Honda and Evans Motorsport,' exclaimed at the time Stephen Collins, sales manager of Honda Australia. 'Competition is a team affair. These wins underscore the professionalism of ours, at Honda and at Evans Motorsport, without forgetting the hours spent behind the scenes by our partners, Mugen and JAS. It's a magnificent way to conclude our first year with the Jazz G2.' Evans and Weston of course savoured the pleasure of having been able to bag this title after five of the six events of the season. 'I'm on cloud nine with this win!' said Evans. 'We raced this weekend without any problems. These Jazz Hondas really have become fantastic race machines.'
Not content with this win, the team also bagged the last event of the season, the Victoria Rally, on 18 November. 'I admit I'm surprised with this win,' acknowledged Evans, 'because we had a flat right at the start. But we kept to our plan, trying to drive as fast as possible.' In the same rally, their team-mates Mark Pedder and Claire Ryan secured a solid 2nd place, allowing them to finish the championship in 2nd position! For team Honda, which clinches this double win, it's therefore a red-letter year. '2013 will be more difficult," commented Weston, 'with new contenders and new cars. But we're ultra-motivated to win again!' The first event in 2013 is scheduled for 1-3 March.
Standings
01// Eli Evans/Glen Weston, 518.75 pts - Motul
02// Mark Pedder/Claire Ryan, 331.25 pts - Motul
03// Matt Amon/Tom Ryan, 238 pts
Photo credits: Michael Vettas Photography
