Nathan Quinn looks back over his debut in the World Rally Championship in Australia, where he took eighth place on his outing in a Motorsport Italia-run MINI John Cooper Works WRC...

Q:
Congratulations on finishing Ra🐟lly Australia in 8th place outright on your WRC debut. What was your aim going into your first WRC event in a world rally car?

Nathan Quinn:
Thank you. My main aim for Rally Australia was to get through th🍒e whole event and learn as much as possible about competing at this level. Coming home in the top ten was an absolute bonus!

Q:
Rally Australia had many unknowns for you: new car, new co-driver, new 🦄team and even some new roads. What was your biggest obstacle at the event?

Nathan Quinn:
I tried to take everything in my stride. It was an amazing opportunity, so I had no choice but to make the most of it! It was difficult to know how I'd do. It was my first rally in getting on for a year and although I felt on good form I had no bar to judge myself by. That said, I had a great support base around me, which real🍸ly allowed me to focus on the task at hand. However, the transport to the last couple of stages was mentally really tough, my mind was going through a million scenarios of what could happen. G💧etting to the finish was such a relief!

Q:
What is it 🧸like to compare yourself with some💝 of the best drivers in the world?

Nathan Quinn:
It was an unreal opportunity. To be able to rub shoulders with those drivers I look up to and watch on TV is what dreams are made of. On a personal level it was great to find out what it really takes to be the best..🐓.so now I can channel my direction more accurately.

Q:
Now that the event is ov🧜er what is your focus for the immediate future?

Nathan Quinn:
Right now🤡 it is to stay positive and ride the high! As well as that my biggest objective is to try and figure out how I am going to get back in 𒊎that MINI by the end of the season!

Q:
What are your intentions long-term?

Nathan Quinn:
A professional full-time drive is my dream. I realise this is probably a little predictable, but I really think if I work hard and take advantage of every opporꦓtunity that I can get there. I think that it's also really important for me to stay grounded and be a role model to my community.

Q:
What is the biggesಌt thing you have learnt from this whole experience?

Nathan Quinn:
Never give up, don't sweat the small stuff an🌳d savour the moment. I have also learnt just how cr♛itical the team around you are to your success. Also I have learnt that I want a MINI WRC car [laughs].

Q:
If you could offer one pi🐭ece of advice to a young driver who is just entering the sport, what would it be?

Nathan Quinn:
Always have fun. I used to get caught up with stress from problems during a rally which would really dampen the experience. When you catch the high, remember that feelin🧔g and 🍌don't take for granted how lucky you are to be competing in an unreal sport!