As the final round in the 2011 Fiesta SportChallenge (FSC) UK, last month's Trackrod Challenge Rally saw rally debutant, Jack Rowe, crowned both the 2011 FSC UK and BRC Challenge champion. Find out the youngster's thoughts on securing the double, his transition from Motorcross to Rally and his future plans for the 2012 season and beyond.

Q: Congratulations on being crowed both the 2011 Fiesta SportChallenge (FSC) and BRC Challenge Champion in your debut season. How does it feel? Has the reality sunken in?

A: Kind of. But not really. It’s a big deal, especially to win in for first season! I’m sure it will sink in at the Shootout when I’m surrounded by all the other [FST] winners, but right now it’s all a bit of a daze

Q: Before you embarked upon a career in rallying, you were the Junior British Motorcross Champion. How do you feel about rallying after your début season and how does it compare to Motocross?

A: I love rallying. It is a lot like Motorcross in its own way, obviously 4 wheels and 2, but you race to win, and it’s the same in both sports

Q: You did not plan on taking both Championships at the start of the year, so at what point did it dawn on you that it could be possible?

When we entered the Malcolm Wilson [Challenge Rally] at the start of the year we didn’t think we would win any rallies - this year was going to be all about getting to grips with the Fiesta. After we won the Pirelli [Challenge Rally] it dawned that we might have a shot in the FSC, but that’s as far as it went. Then we won both rounds in Ireland [at the Ulster Challenge Rally] and that’s when we realised that we had a real chance to take the double!

Q: Did the realisation change your approach to the season?

A: My approach was pretty constant throughout. We’re there to win. It was only at the Trackrod [Challenge Rally] that the thought of going slightly slower ever crossed my mind. But even then, I took it easy on the first stage, and still had the pace to win.

Q: You led the Championship for much of the second half of the season. How did you cope with the pressure?

A: I’m pretty good with pressure. I’ve been in a championship winning position twice before in Motorcross, so I know what it’s all about. Believe it or not, the most pressure came from my fellow drivers! I’m the new boy so I guess it was inevitable, but it’s all good fun!

Q: As your debut season behind the wheel of a rally car, did you feel your driving style change throughout the year?

I just drove as it came naturally. Looking at the inboards I now know that I have a lot of work to do if I am to get where I want to be. My driving style can be quite aggressive at times - maybe this comes from my Motorcross background – and so I need to work on adapting a smoother style.

Q: How are you going to approach the move to International status in 2012?

A: Same as this year. We’re not expecting to take the Championship but we’ll attack each round. I’ll be competing at the Wales Rally GB in November so that should be good experience. I’ve also got a test coming up at Sweet Lamb where we plan to work on improving our pacenotes amongst other things.

Q: Where do you see yourself going over the next few years?

A: The plan is for me to contest the FIA WRC Academy in the next few years. Then we’ll see where that takes me - I’m sure it will be the biggest test of my career to date.

Q: As 2010 FSC UK Champion, you have won a test in the Ford Fiesta S2000 with one-to-one tuition from M-Sport Stobart’s Matthew Wilson. Are you looking forward to the experience? And what do you aim to get out of it?

A: Yes, I can’t wait. I’ve never seen the S2000 in the flesh and I’m more excited about the test than I am for [Wales Rally] GB! It will be an amazing experience: finding out what’s needed to reach the next level and what I need to push for.

Q: Any advice for those considering FSC UK for the 2012 season?

A: Just go for it. Don’t get too involved in the politics. Just go out to have fun. Don’t be too serious and attack the season in your own way and you’ll be fine.

To keep up to date with all that’s happening in the FST and FSC UK championships visit the official website (http://www.fiestasporttrophy.co.uk) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FSTUK).