Leeds based PPiK Allfab EMS Rally team are just back from winning the last round of the 2007 Fiesta Sporting Trophy International Championship.

Young Swedish driver Victor Henriksson, 19, made his World Rallying debut at last weekend’s 2007 Wales Rally GB, the concluding round of the World Rally Championship, which saw some of the toughest driving conditions in the event’s prestigious history.

Victor and co-driver Mark Walker from Leeds, won the production based Ford Fiesta ST International class by some margin and against significantly more experienced opposition.

Victor driving in his first ever World Rally Championship round, showed maturity and consistent pace over the three gruelling days of competing.

Instead of working on Rally GB as part of his usual duties for 2007 World Constructor Champions M-Sport BP Ford, Victor secured a deal to compete in the Allfab EMS prepared Fiesta with the assistance of sponsors Pole Position Indoor Karting in Leeds along with Advanced Gas Services.

PPiK Marketing Manager, Ben Hyland, was delighted with the result, “We were confident that Victor and Mark had a great chance of proving their performance at this event, albeit just their second rally together. Victor drove with some confidence and PPiK are delighted to be involved with the sport of rallying at such a high level, and in view of the world’s motorsport fans. We will be showcasing the car at the venue in Leeds throughout December for the public to come and visit”.

On just his third event on UK soil, driver Henriksson was delighted with his performance but knew that the conditions were against him, “My plan was to drive at 75% and not to push too hard, as I knew that conditions would be tough.

It is tempting to go flat out, but sometimes you have to think carefully about your approach. There was a point when I thought I’d knocked a wheel off and, despite three punctures and the loss of my brakes, I’m really happy with the result on my first WRC event.”

Mike Vary of Allfab EMS Motorsport in Leeds, who prepared the car, explains the difference between the rally car that won in Wales to one you might be able to pick up at your local Ford dealership, “We use a standard production car and engine as regulations restrict us from carrying out major upgrades.

Safety modifications are obvious and we are allowed specialist suspension to cope with the rough terrain along with a short shift gear box.”

The PPiK Allfab EMS team returned home tired but elated late on Monday evening where they assumed the drama from the weekend had ended, only to discover Tuesday morning thieves had attempted to steal the rally car on Monday night.