A lucky charm, anxiety and a battered back: How Bruun won in Paraguay

Nataniel Bruun changed the order in which he put on his racing gloves, and the new routine accompanied him to a WRC3 victory at the Rally of Paraguay.

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I always put on the left glove first, from when I started racing, because it felt strange to have the right glove first.

The Bolivian driver had always put on his left glove first. Before the Paraguay event, however, his coach suggested reversing the order after noticing that Bruun often made mistakes during his usual routine. Bruun followed the advice and started every stage by putting on the right glove first.

The change felt strange, he said, even though the rest of his preparation stayed the same. He continued with his concentration work, physical warm-up, visual exercises and the final minute before the start. He also repeated positive reminders to himself, including that he needed to focus, perform well and trust his ability.

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I still feel as if I am a child seeing a racing car pass for the first time.

Bruun said anxiety remains part of the experience. In the past, he sometimes felt sick before getting into the car and had even become unwell before starting stages in regional competitions. Although he has worked on the problem, he still feels pressure in his chest when he climbs into the vehicle. He described the sensation as similar to being a child watching a racing car pass for the first time.

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I finished the Rally of Paraguay with my back battered.

The rally also took a physical toll. Bruun said his back was badly strained after the event because the seat did not fit his larger frame properly. He added that the effort was worthwhile. Despite the win, his Ford Fiesta will sit out the international rallies in Chile and Italy because the team has no budget or support. He said he expects to return to competition next year.

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Sadly, we will not compete in the rallies in Chile or Italy. We have no budget or support.