150k tractors celebrated
Farm machinery maker Claas is celebrating having made 150,000 tractors since it bought the Renault brand in 2003.
"It was a big surprise," said Williams, after his first-time drive in the Renault. "The handling was light and nimble and it carried the speed through corners well. It was a lively package. It hung on like a four wheel drive."
Williams has driven Porsches, Escorts and others in decades of motor racing.
He says the Renault's combination of limited slip differential for the front wheel drive and the rear suspension geometry provided "limpet-like" road holding. "It braked and turned into corners so well – beautifully balanced."
On the tighter, twisty stages without long straights Williams made times that would have placed the Megane RS 250 in the top ten overall. (The Targa rally is raced on closed roads, but they are all tarmac. It attracts a variety of cars – 50-year-old classics to modern super cars.)
During the five days, Williams had a succession of guest co-drivers – mayors and executives of councils in the areas hosting the race.
"They were blown away," Williams says. "They were usually frightened for the first few corners of a stage because of the speed, but then couldn't believe how fast we were going on back country goat tracks."
Williams drove the 184kW 2L turbocharged car that preceded the event as one of the course 'zero cars' that made sure the roads were safe to use before the competition began.
