Lancia Stratos set for Roger Albert Clark Rally
The sight and sound of a Lancia Stratos back in the UK forests will be another highlight of this year’s Roger Albert Clark Rally after it was confirmed that Seb Perez will tackle the five day event in the fabulous Italian supercar.
Originally campaigned by Seb’s father Steve, the stunningly styled 1975 car will be an absolute favourite with the fans, as it returns to UK competition after a gap of six years, complete with its unique engine note thanks to the 2.4-litre V6 Ferrari Dino engine.
Steve Perez drove the Stratos on the Roger Albert Clark Rally 11 times between 2005 and 2017 with a best result of eighth overall in 2011. Sadly, the car was damaged in a fire in Belgium in 2018 but has now been completely rebuilt to immaculate condition ready for a return to the forests of England, Scotland and Wales.
“It's incredibly special to have it back out,” said Seb Perez. “It hasn't done anything since 2018 and the plan is to do the Roger Albert Clark Rally in the car. There may be some other events in the New Year as well.” The Stratos recently completed a successful test at Sweet Lamb and did around 30 miles on gravel as the team worked on set-up.
“It'll be really interesting on the R.A.C. It's got the agility of an Escort and the power of a Porsche. Hopefully there's some snow and it's very muddy and dirty, and the Escorts will be struggling for grip. And that's where we'll shine. It'll be nice to have the car back out, especially on that event.”
Perez will join Chris Ingram’s Triumph TR7 V8 and Richard Tuthill's Porsche 911 in a bid to stop the Ford Escorts having a clean sweep at the top of the rally.
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