MacCrone hopes to avoid the tank traps in the Rallye Deutschland

By Stewart Weir Scots rally driver John MacCrone faces one of the toughest tests of his career this week on the ADAC Rallye Deutschland. The 22-year-old from Mull knows that the German event - which began in earnest yesterday - is one of the most unforgiving on the world championship calendar, thanks to what are known as "Hinkelsteins". For the uninitiated, Hinkelsteins are massive concrete blocks, used to stop tanks from cutting corners on military ranges – the same terrain as used on the Rally Germany. And Rally Team Scotland ace MacCrone says he has no intention of becoming familiar with the infamous stones. “I’ve seen and heard about the Hinkelsteins and what they can do to a car, so I don’t intend introducing myself or the Tunnock’s Fiesta to them,” says MacCrone, who has ditched his British Rally Championship ambitions in favour of a few World Rally Championship rounds. “After four non-finishes because of mechanical problems and a couple of accidents, continuing in the British series would have served little purpose. “So we’re now competing in the WRC rounds in Germany, Spain and Wales Rally GB with an eye to doing the WRC Academy series in 2012.” And MacCrone expects Germany to be a test of car and crew. “While it’s an all-tarmac rally, the surfaces on each of the three days are very different, from the really smooth asphalt to the concrete of the military ranges – and the heart- and tank-stopping dangers the lie just a few inches from the road. “Myself and co-driver Stuart Loudon will really have to be on our game if we want to finish never mind get a result. But there is no pressure on us so hopefully we can enjoy the experience.”

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