On a tough event for both Reeves and fellow Aussie Molly Taylor, 13th and 14th place finishes were not the plan heading into their first WRC tarmac event.
Craig Breen took victory in the category where all drivers compete in identical Ford Fiesta R2 models prepared by Ford’s official rally supplier M-Sport.
Day One promised plenty for Reeves, who after opening splits which catapulted him into the top two fastest drivers in the WRC Academy Cup, then lost time after going off the road on each of the opening two stages. He was among the 10 quickest drivers on all of the afternoon stages, despite sliding into a wall on SS6 and having to cruise to the finish of the day.
The 2010 FIA Asia-Pacific Cup champion showed some good speed in the first loop of four stages on the second day, but was still frustrated to be making small mistakes. The first three stages of the afternoon went well for him but the Pirelli Star Driver suffered a puncture on the final stage of the rally.
Having finished in the top four on all three previous rounds of the WRC Academy Cup, he was disappointed to finish ADAC Rallye Deutschland 13th.
Taylor, who is a two-time British Ladies’ Champion, had an early finish to Day One after she broke down with a driveshaft problem during SS4. The Pirelli Star Driver was fortunately able to superally and continue on Day Two.
Despite intercom problems and a couple of off-road excursions, Taylor was pleased with her progress in the morning – especially on the long Panzerplatte stage. She was also happy with her afternoon’s work, but was classified 14th.
The next WRC Academy event will be the Rallye de France on 30 September- 2 October.
