So... Today's rain was the Frikken Laser's day to shine: power deficit was neutralised, suited all the (former/current rally) drivers, and it enhances it's benign nature.
This was clearly demonstrated by it's fastest lap being 0.5 seconds slower than the fastest, when it's usually more like 2 seconds...
Annnnd we finished 20th(?)....
The exhaust broke in practice, causing us to miss the start. Our event began at least 25 minutes after the race started. We actually caught and passed at least two other cars on speed, despite the handicap. While I'm making excuses, the event was cut short by half an hour because there was supposedly a big storm on the way (I suspect it was because the officials had had enough of standing around in the rain).
Plus we didn't embarrass or disgrace ourselves, unlike other plenty of other crews. The 206 GTI was running 2nd, and looking a but loose. I observed that they were punching above their weight and were going to cave because of it... Half a lap later they had a big tank slapper, hit another car, and then ended bogged in the infield.
Car is WAY better. Goes harder, picks up revs more smoothly, handles more predictably, has more traction. There's no bad points. Hanging to try it in the dry.
Here's an idea of the rain:
