Irish rallycross star Derek Tohill has got his 2018 FIA European Rallycross Championship campaign off to a solid start at the opening round in Barcelona. Driving the PFCRX team’s Ford Fiesta Supercar he battled torrentially wet conditions and a low grip circuit on day one before having to radically change the setup of the 600 horsepower four-wheel drive Supercar for Sunday’s action, with drying track conditions.

In very tough conditions and despite suspension damage Derek was able to use his skill and experience to place himself 11th overall after the first day’s qualifying races. Hindered by conditions and starting positions on the following day Derek was still able to set 12th and 9th fastest times in Q3 and Q4, and earn a place in the semi-finals. However, a power problem at the start of the semi meant a poor start and Derek was unable to climb higher than 5th. This meant he was classified 9th overall.

The next round of the five event European competition takes place in Belgium next month. Before that, the team returns to Ireland to compete in the second round of the Irish Rallycross Championship.