Autosport.com

Football star Shearer gets WRC ride

23rd October 2009, by David Evans

Former England striker Alan Shearer enjoyed his first taste of a World Rally Car at Thursday's pre-Rally GB shakedown test.

Shearer, an ambassador for Castrol, co-drove for Jari-Matti Latvala aboard the Finn's Ford Focus RS WRC 09 on the stage which formed part of the old Margam Park test. After emerging from the co-driver's seat, Shearer admitted he would like to have a go at driving the seat.

"I didn't have a clue what to expect," Shearer told AUTOSPORT. "I knew it would be slightly surreal and crazy, but I didn't think it would be anything like it was. It was so exhilarating, the way the car rode the bumps and the way he threw it at corners and drove over things you wouldn't believe. It was very frightening.

"I didn't realise we hadn't actually started [the stage]. He told me he was just getting the brakes ready [before the start]. I was thinking: "Well, God only knows what it's going to be like when we do get started! It was everything I hoped it would be, but I can't compare it with anything I've ever done before."

Shearer admitted he was new to the World Rally Championship, but added that he would be an avid follower from now on.

"I watch Formula 1 if I'm honest," he said, "but I've not really followed the rally, but I think I'll have to from now on, won't I? I certainly will be from now on. I'd like to have a go at driving, but not like that - slightly slower into the corners."