Mazda's Prologue Tactics Play out as Planned

NOTTING HILL, AUSTRALIA – April 6, 2011: All three of Mazda Motorsport’s race cars came successfully through today’s Targa Tasmania prologue held around the streets of George Town.

The tactic heading into the prologue was to bring each of the Mazdas safely home in a time that would have them starting amongst their main competitors and near the rear of the field for the commencement of racing proper tomorrow.

And this is exactly what the team achieved with the Mazda3 MPS of Brendan Reeves dashing round the prologue circuit in a time of 3 minutes 31 seconds to lead the showroom class by nine seconds over Mike Sinclair’s Skoda Octavia RS.

Steve Glenney demonstrated his considerable experience as he cruised through the prologue in a time of 3 minutes 24 seconds to preserve his tyres as much as possible for tomorrow’s racing whilst still remaining within striking distance of the main contenders.

In his first competitive outing with Mazda Motorsport, Jamie Vandenberg avoided any major risks, preserved his tyres and piloted his RX-8 SP to a solid prologue time of 3 minutes and 35 seconds.

Vandenberg is now looking ahead to tomorrow’s eight competitive stages. “I was keen to put in a good solid run at the prologue today and that’s exactly what happened. But tomorrow is where the real racing starts and now that I’ve got a good feel for the RX-8 SP I’m really looking forward to having a crack,” he said.

Mazda Motorsport boss, Allan Horsley was happy with today’s proceedings. “We didn’t set out to break any records today and our tactics played out as planned. We’re very happy with all three cars and their positions for tomorrow,” he said.

“It was great to see Jamie have his first competitive run but it’s from here that the competition really gets going.”

Targa Tasmania continues with tomorrow’s Leg One containing eight competitive stages that will see the drivers head out west from Launceston.