With less than a year to go in 2022, before the 14,000 km from Peking to Paris itself, I have two warm-up events to get through.

The event itself already costs an enormous amount in entry fees and car preparation, but I see getting through tasks like these as an important part of taking it on, so they are in the plan.

Test running the challenge car, the Buick

The first warm-up is the Summer Trial in England, from 24 June, to the schedule below.

The entry list is published

On this entry list we are number 5. Classic car rallies usually order entries by the age of the car, and there you have it — a 1929 Buick. Starting near the front is one of the pleasures of a classic rally.

When I, a Japanese woman, first asked to enter, the Volvo I had chosen was a newer and very common car, and I was turned down repeatedly.

In that sense, choosing the 1929 Buick out of respect for this English event has given me an experience money cannot buy.

The route map and the regulations have already been sent, and naturally all of it is in English. With no language ability at all, translating the rules, the notes and even the maps takes me a very long time.

I have been lucky enough to do several rallies around the world, but Italy and England differ again in road conditions and signage, so I check the route map and do not skimp on preparation.

This event is not the PC rally format I have done before but an average rally, which is the experience Peking to Paris requires. I intend to enjoy something new to the full.

For now, this is about finishing, and about testing the car.

A prank by the gods to open with

Ten days before departure, just as I was thinking about getting ready for England, I went down ill. This challenge needs a vast amount of money, and I had spent two months criss-crossing the country to explain what I was doing, forgetting to rest or sleep. My own fault.

I know perfectly well that a rally is ninety per cent preparation, and I made the one mistake you must not make. What happens now? Will I get away at all?

I will set this down as part of the adventure too.

I fly to England from Kansai Airport on 19 June 2022, and am due back in Japan on 28 June.