Wilks makes solid start Down Under

2:07pm Sunday 11th May 2008

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GUY Wilks made a solid start to the Rally of Canberra, ending day one in a superb fifth place overall.

The reigning British champion, who lives in Darlington, is making his debut Down Under, driving a Honda Civic Type R R3 for Honda Australia.

Wilks set some formidable times in the front-wheel-drive Civic, built by Italian team JAS Motorsport, against 4WD machinery.

Speaking on his website www.guywilks.com Wilks said: "The car hasn't missed a beat.

"It has been a good day at the office - but the job is only half-done and we need to stay alert.

"The sandy stages favour the 4WD machinery but we're doing our best for JAS and Honda Australia.

"We've not had any major issues with dust or kangaroos, but a car behind us hit one. Maybe our little car scares them as the engine really screams - it sounds awesome!"

Asia Pacific champion Cody Crocker leds the rally in a Subaru Impreza WRX STi. Sunday's final leg is a repeat of today's nine forest stages east of Canberra.