Racing Bulls Formula 1 rookie Arvid Lindblad has indicated he might consider a future rally career after taking to the track in an M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The 18-year-old British driver had never driven a rally car before starting his F1 career this year.
First experience on the track designed by late rally world champion Mikkola.
Lindblad first completed a lap on the 1.9-mile-long forest gravel track in the co-driver's seat alongside M-Sport Ford driver Jon Armstrong, who competes in the top category of the WRC; then he took the wheel himself. This narrow and winding track, part of the festival event, was designed by 1983 world rally champion Hannu Mikkola.
Lindblad described his experience during the live broadcast of the Goodwood Festival of Speed: “It was incredible; first of all, I want to thank Jon and the team here for this opportunity, because it was my first time doing something like this. We drive very fast in Formula 1 and I wouldn't say I was scared, but I was so far outside my comfort zone and I was really stunned. It's so different from everything we're used to; it was a great experience in terms of appreciating what these drivers do.’
Rallying is being discussed as a post-F1 goal.
Lindblad also emphasized that the WRC experience had sparked a new fascination in him: “Rallying is an area I’ve become more interested in and increasingly love lately; something I might want to pursue one day after my current career ends. Cameras and in-car footage don’t fully capture reality; you’re going so fast, so close to the trees, and what the drivers do is truly impressive.”
Armstrong stated that he enjoyed sharing the Puma with Lindblad. The Irish driver, who is in his first season in the top category of WRC, said: “I really enjoyed taking him for a lap; it was great to see how much he enjoyed the experience from a driving perspective. F1 drivers have a tough situation; they have to prove themselves as soon as they arrive, you have to learn against experienced drivers, and the car you get is crucial. I think Lindblad managed to do that.”
Armstrong will be on the track this week for the WRC Estonia, the first high-speed gravel rally of the season.