This year we will have two new faces in the N5 family and in the LARČ5 class. We have already seen Audronis Gulbinas on the rally stages, and this year he will be accompanied by Justinas Brokorius. Justinas’ career began in 2006 when he made his debut in an Opel Astra GSi, but a year later, he immediately stepped into a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII. A few years in 4WD racing were followed by a 12-year break, after which he returned to rallying in a BMW 316. Not long after, RWD car was switched to FWD – Ford Fiesta R2T. After one season with the older generation Fiesta, Justinas bought a newer version, the Ford Fiesta Rally4, with which he raced for two seasons. This year, something interesting happened: Justinas was thinking about 4WD car, and his now former N5 colleague Irmantas Buivydas was looking for an opportunity to participate in the Lithuanian Rally4 Trophy, so a great exchange happened. Irmantas will fight for a place in the ERC with Justinas Ford Fiesta Rally4, and Justinas will return to a 4WD with Ford Fiesta N5 car after a really long break, with which he will be able to fight for much higher positions than before.
How did you get the Ford Fiesta N5?
I started thinking about changing classes at the end of the 2024 season. There were thoughts of a Rally3, R4 car. But as the start of the season approached and circumstances developed, the team and I decided that we would drive an N5 car this season. This is the third Ford Fiesta in a row, this one has already been seen on the Lithuanian rally stages 🙂
You haven’t been driving 4WD for quite a long time – in the 2007/2008 season. Later followed RWD and FWD cars. What was it like switching to single-axle after 4WD, and how do you think the transition back to 4WD will be?
I had the most doubts when I got into the RWD car, but I got used to it quickly enough that I think I’ll be able to get comfortable with the 4WD car even faster. I spend quite a lot of time in the simulator, which helps me not to lose my skills. I think that by the middle of the season, I will have tamed the car and will be able to drive at my own pace. There’s not much time left until the competition, so I won’t be able to train as much as I’d like.
You’ve raced with Ramūnas Paškevičius your entire career – what is his contribution to the crew and how did he take the idea of returning to 4WD?
We are a team with Ramūnas, we have been working together for so long and we feel comfortable. We trust each other and I think that’s the most important thing for the team to drive safely and quickly. The change of equipment is good news for both of us and we are looking forward to starting the season soon.
What are the goals and plans for this season?
In the first rallies, we will see how fast we are and then we can talk about the goals. After the first tests, it’s clear that this car is a lot of fun and very predictable to drive, so first and foremost, I’m hoping for a very fun season. In short, this season is an introduction to 4WD technology 🙂