Steve Bagnall
Motorsport News is sad to report the death of former Audi and Volkswagen team manager Steve Bagnall. One of British rallying’s key figures through the 1980s and 1990s, Bagnall was responsible for bringing Audi’s stars from the world stage to these shores
test for the Donegal Rally in 1996.
Mcrae said: “Our first Tarmac test was in Ireland and the reason for using the particular road was because Steve said the local pub had the best Guinness anywhere in the world. After the first day of testing I had to go down with him and was allowed one pint as we were testing the next day. I picked up the pint and he nearly knocked me off my seat saying ‘Young Mcrae put it back on the bar. You must let it rest so it can reach the zenith of its creamy excellence’. A great guy who was instrumental in getting me into the WRC, he loved his motorsport.”
Higgins added: “He was a fantastic character, boss and friend. They don’t make them like Steve anymore.”