When the MRF Skoda team drivers were penalised for delaying the start of SS13 at APRC Rally New Caledonia, New Zealanders Mike Young and Malcolm Read were briefly declared the winners of the APRC event.

The kiwi pair even got to stand on the top step of the podium, but it was place they’d rather have not been ‘ I’d love to win an APRC round, but not like that – perhaps it will happen one day but I want to win on outright speed! ” said Young.

“It was real shame as Malcolm and I were looking forward to celebrating with the Skoda guys. Thankfully afterwards, the stewards reduced the time penalties and the results are now how they should be – but the podium was a missed opportunity for MRF Skoda and us”.