Tony Pond

While he never captured a WRC win, Pond was instrumental in keeping British rallying on the map during the Group B era.

• Triumph TR7 V8: A distinctive rear-wheel-drive entry in which Pond showed impressive speed in the early 1980s.
• MG Metro 6R4: Helped develop and race this naturally aspirated Group B car, known for its quick throttle response and sharp handling.
• Rover SD1: Used in national events and showcased Pond’s ability to tame large, powerful machines on tight tarmac stages.

Pond’s feedback and development skills were crucial to fine-tuning the 6R4 into a competitive, if underfunded, rally weapon.

Tony Pond’s driving was crisp, methodical, and intelligent—qualities that made him a favorite for car development teams. He was especially effective on tarmac, where his precision allowed him to compete with the best in Europe. Though often hampered by underpowered or unreliable cars compared to better-funded teams, his performances earned admiration across the rally world. He is remembered as a true professional who helped elevate British rally engineering during the sport’s most dramatic decade.

Pond’s long-time co-driver, Rob Arthur, shared many of his major successes in the 1980s. Their partnership was defined by steady communication, technical understanding, and shared development work. Together, they tackled both national and international stages, representing British engineering efforts with pride and precision against the best in the world.