Rally - status update

Hopefully you've been keeping pace with us on the InfoSec live feed and our tweets. We've had our hands rather full the last couple of days keeping the car alive, so not had a chance to post much here, but plenty of photos have been pushed up along with the tweets.

So check the InfoSec live commentary via the link to the left, see photos by clicking on one to the right and browse the album, and via the facebook link bottom left. Open twitter by right clicking and "open in new window" on one of the ones on the right.

With had our initial problem with the radiator on the car at Strasbourg just before lunchtime on day 1. Since then we've had to make running repairs, and adopt a defensive driving strategy to minimise engine load, and maintain a steady 50mph to keep the engine cool.

Standing in traffic has been our biggest problem. Climbing hills has also consumed a fair amount of water. We look like we've got a wine rack, or torpedo bay in the back of the car with the bottles stacked high, and refilled at every opportunity.

In the driving rain yesterday our dedicated mechanics performed open car surgery, removing the entire radiator in an attempt to patch the hole. It lasted for a while but got worse and worse as the day progressed.

We made a valiant effort to get over the mountain yesterday but we finally had to go around, just too much snow! After an hour of gentle driving we were met by a closed barrier and a road 4' deep in snow.

If we had been informed by "race control" that mountain passes had closed the previous day we would have had a much easier day.

By 7pm and after 10 litres of water in the space of a few hours the oil temp started to rise. So emergency stop and roadside repairs. The Pirates leaping into action once again with our mechanic.

Now with water running out as fast as we were putting it in a "crimp" operation was undertaken. A high risk strategy as failure could have left an even bigger hole.

Finally arriving at the hotel in the dark again we heard news that another team had crashed on the motorway nearby. Thankfully the crew were ok, sadly the car isn't.

This morning our first proper sunshine since leaving England. Really hot and took time to enjoy a walk along the lake while the other teams set off in convoy.

Making great progress today. The repair is holding and we caught and passed the convoy. Satnav says we have around 2 hours to run, so right now it's time for lunch!

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