Last updated 19:31, Thursday, 27 November 2008

FORMER World Superbike champion Troy Corser was in Cumbria last week to try his hand at rally driving.

The Australian drove an M-Sport car around Greystoke forest with tuition from Stobart VK Ford driver Matthew Wilson.

The 21-year-old was impressed with how Corser coped with the switch from two to four wheels on an unfamiliar muddy surface.

Wilson said: “I was really impressed with Troy’s immediate pace despite the fact he had never driven a world rally car before.

“He got to grips with how to handle the car straight away.

“Given some more time, and maybe fewer trees, I think he would have the ability to really put the foot down.”

Wilson then took over in the driver’s seat and showed Corser what an experienced rally driver is capable of.

Wilson added: “It was fun taking him for a few laps in the co-driver’s seat too.

“I think how late the car was braking for corners really impressed him.”

After the test, Corser visited M-Sport’s headquarters in Dovenby for a tour of Ford’s facilities.