Good advice from SJ.

As a Pro-Rally driver (private entry car) saving equipment was key. One time my navigator told me we were going great but I ought to drop another gear in the corners. He wanted more drama and revs coming out of the corners LOL. I told him I'd found my "rhythm" and that was most important thing (smooth / the slow down to go fast). We never won a stage but we finished 1st OVERALL with a 22 year old car.

Remember many people can be the fastest once... it's a lot harder to be fast always.