The scene is set for an epic finish to the 2018 edition of Wales Rally GB today, writes Gary Jones. The title fight dramatically swung back and forth in front of thousands of enthralled fans in the heart of the classic mid Wales forests on saturday and just 14 secs covered the top four overnight. Under bright, sunny skies, spectators flocked to the … [Read more...]
Tears and cheers as WRGB begins
Wales Rally GB began in dramatic fashion yesterday, writes Gary Jones. The world’s leading rally drivers treated fans to an awe-inspiring display of high-speed thrills and spectacular slides through the legendary north Wales forests and there was something for spectators to celebrate with the coronation of a homegrown British champion on the first full … [Read more...]
Blockbuster blast-off begins
Billed as a blockbuster, this week’s Wales Rally GB 4-7 October really has it all, writes Gary Jones. Tonight there’s a dramatic opener under floodlights, challenging new tests in legendary Welsh forests and a stunning finale with cars racing through the closed streets of Llandudno – the first free-to-attend WRC stage in the UK for more than 20 … [Read more...]
Osian Pryce is talking shop for Ralïo’s 450th milestone
Rising rally star Osian Pryce will swop steering wheel for microphone when he joins the Ralïo TV broadcast team for S4C’s biggest ever coverage of Wales Rally GB 4-7 October. The 450th Ralio programme will see three stages broadcast live, a preview and nightly highlights package, and seven hours of rally coverage. Ralïo will broadcast eight … [Read more...]
Edwards & Garrod win place on WRGB
Matt Edwards and Darren Garrod overcame late dramas on Saturday’s Eventsigns Woodpecker Stages Rally to take their fourth victory of the year in the Pirelli MSA Welsh Forest Rally Championship, writes Peter Hughes. That win also secured for them a free entry on Wales Rally GB, part of the Road to Wales initiative of IMS, promoters of the British … [Read more...]
Elfyn Evans claws way onto Portugal podium
Elfyn Evans has returned to the FIA World Rally Championship podium with an impressive second place finish on last weekend’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal, round six of this year’s WRC series. It was the first time the 29-year-old Welshman and co-driver Daniel Barritt have stood on the podium since sensationally winning last October’s momentous Wales Rally … [Read more...]
Road rallying returns for WRGB WRC round
Closed public roads in Great Britain will be used to host a World Championship Rally for the first time this October in north Wales, writes Gary Jones. The momentous milestone is part of a new-look competitive route for this year’s Wales Rally GB 4-7 October. The introduction of landmark legislation allowing local authorities in England and Wales to … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai i30N Performance
Some car-makers shout about their performance models which can quietly disappoint, yet Hyundai play it the other way in the i30N and have a normal looking model which excites every time you take the wheel. The Korean brand has electrified the World Rally Championship and it’s now quietly building on that performance with its subtle yet sporty … [Read more...]
VW Polo GTI R5 undergoes winter testing
The new Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 has been successfully put through its paces in Sweden – by three world rally champions before its sold to private teams later this year. Petter Solberg (N), 2003 WRC champion, was joined at the wheel of the four-wheel drive rally car for customer sports by 2000 and 2002 world champion Marcus Grönholm (FIN), and Pontus … [Read more...]
Let battle commence …..
The 2018 FIA World Rally Championship hit top gear with a high-profile launch at the Autosport International show in Birmingham last week, writes Gary Jones. Manufacturer teams representing Citroën, Hyundai, M-Sport Ford and Toyota lined up side-by-side on the central stage for their public unveiling. All the big-name drivers, co-drivers and team … [Read more...]
