Croatia proves a tough challenge for Creighton

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver William Creighton came away from last weekend’s FIA World Rally Championship Rally Croatia [18-21 April] with a positive outlook, after a tricky weekend in the WRC2 category.

Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan overcame a difficult opening day of the rally, to secure a finish in their M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2, setting a string of impressive stage times along the way despite being their WRC2 sealed surface asphalt debut in the car. A mature drive over the remaining legs of the rally ensured they could gain as much from the weekend as possible.

After a superb run of form in the Probite British Rally Championship which sees the Irish driver lie second overall in the standings, Creighton would head to Europe just a few days after his last BRC encounter to tackle his second World Rally Championship event of the season.

The snow of Sweden was swapped for the treacherous asphalt of Croatia, but unpredictable weather conditions on the lead-up to the weekend saw several sections dusted with sleet, making the already difficult stages even more challenging. Coupled with the promise of rain as well as quickly drying roads, a good tyre strategy would be an all-important factor. However, Creighton’s confidence took a hit on the opening stage of the rally. A slow puncture at around 10 kilometres into the 23-kilometre Sosice test meant he was forced to stop and change mid-stage, losing over two minutes. Putting the opening stage to one side, Creighton set out with the aim of climbing back up the leaderboard, but this would be hampered but his road position, with the stage getting muddier and dirtier with every passing car. The drop in times after the first car on the road was significant, but the M-Sport driver continued to manage his pace where possible to make inroads on his position, even managing a top five fastest WRC2 time during the morning loop.

Sadly, on the final stage of the opening day, his Fiesta slid into one of the many Croatian ditches and into retirement for the day.

Saturday would prove tricky thanks to a changeable weather front and tyre choice became a lottery. Even though the stages remained dry, the mud and dirt on the line was significant. Some inspiring stage times during the day was a positive outcome considering the road position which would continue into Sunday, but Creigton’s approach ensured he could bring the Fiesta Rally2 home for another WRC2 finish, despite a final stage scare when he damaged a rear suspension arm.

“On reflection, I`m really pleased with how the weekend went and given the challenges we faced after Friday; I think the signs are there that we are heading in a good direction” said Creighton. “Of course, it was disappointing to end Friday the way we did. But we know from previous experience just how tough Croatia can be and the margins are very small. From then on, our road position meant we were faced with very dirty roads, so we had to exercise caution. The focus is always on consistently setting the best stage times we can across the rally weekend and looking at the times as a whole, they were really encouraging against the guys who have been in the Rally2 cars for quite some time now. Setting a top five WRC2 time on the fifth stage was certainly a highlight and overall, there are many positive aspects to take away which is important. Once again thanks to M-Sport for the car which felt superb all weekend and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy for their amazing support”.

Creighton will now prepare to switch back to gravel as he will contest the Vodafone Rally de Portugal in just three weeks.

You can follow William’s progress throughout his career by following him on his social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok