2018 brc

[Sulland]

2018 Calendar
https://www.msabrc.com/news/2018-prestone-msa-british-rally-championship-calendar-announced/

what can we ecpect of international participation on the Autosport Island next year?

[mousti]

Hopefully Ahlin and Kalle

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[Simmi]

Not really got high hopes to be honest. Hopefully the shorter calendar, plus GB finale, will ensure at least the entries we do get remain throughout the season.

With Dmack rolling back their WRC commitments I wonder whether they'd be open to a BRC return? Not really heard too many rumours beyond Kalle - but the amount of WRC clashes is troublesome in that regard. Not really sure what Ahlin has to gain by doing another year of BRC either.

[AndyRAC]

I'm not overly optimistic to be honest. Instead of progressing, it looks like the opposite could happen. They need to organise the calendar better; no clashes with the WRC is a priority.
And, really, a BRC round need to be an 'event' - not a local club event jumping up to the BRC. They need to improve the promotion massively; it's nowhere near were it needs to be.
We're now in year three; time to move on.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pity the rumoured season for Kalle Rovanperä in BRC with M-Sport hasnt happened. Suppose it cant compete with a WRC2 factory drive...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A 'name' like Rovanperä would've been the early boost the 2018 BRC needed.

We just have to hope something big comes along in January. If not, all that BRC comeback buzz will be wasted..

[Sulland]

What teams and drivers have given signals that they will be in BRC in 2018?

Not only in BRC1 but also in the lower classes!

[Brynmor Pierce]

It's a concern I must say. I can't speak directly about our past Toyota deal but there was factory backing there in 2016 and available again in 2017 but sadly no crews wanted to play in r3.

The series has concentrated way way too much on the R5 class and R2 juniors, with pretty much all prize money and coverage going there. In fairness it seems from what I'm seeing in the 2018 guide feedback has been listened too and a more even spread of prize structure is coming.

[mousti]

R3 is not so interesting anymore. Here in Belgium also.

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[Simmi]

Matt Edwards back in a R5 Fiesta for 2018

Not sure if this has been previously confirmed or not but he'll be M-Sport's guy in the BRC according to MN today. He's also doing the full BTRDA series too which is a pleasant surprise.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

BRC NEWS JUST IN: @SwiftRallyTeam has chosen M-Sport to run their 2018 @MSA_BRC campaign with Welshman @MERallysport behind the wheel of an M-Sport prepared Ford Fiesta R5 #BRC

👀 See the car @Autosport_Show #ASI18

➡️ Read more here: https://t.co/o1UrWw9mDn https://t.co/gJtZUC9zJk

[PLuto]

I think this year it will be easier for Edwards in BRC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Comments from Edwards and M.Wilson:

https://www.msabrc.com/news/edwards-lead-m-sport-brc-title-attack/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cronin in talks ?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTQoyHGXcAAes9p.jpg

This may be the best we can get in terms of new cars... Proton Iriz R5.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTRWtwYXkAARKCt.jpg:large

[mousti]

Ypres Rally facebook is very optimistic. Saying Cronin will come back. Sordo and Huttunen would be there too..

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[Simmi]

Yikes - no news of note announced today at all!

Like Eddie said, there's probably a decent chance the Iriz will be out but nothing confirmed.

Cronin and Ingram were at the show, doubtless trying to work on deals. I'm sure a few more were too. But two minor junior announcements on media day is really not ideal is it.

[mousti]

Last year it was the same. It was all after the show that news came out..

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

NEWS: The Proton Iriz is due to be homologated by the start of April #BRC https://t.co/LDmRU7sSf4

[GeoFerg_Sco]

Bogie to do the championship again according to the daily record paper.

[Simmi]

Marty McCormack will be back according to MN today. In a Fabia run by Dom Buckley. He doesn't sound convinced about doing the entire year though, especially Wales GB from a cost perspective. MN also reiterating the Bogie will do the championship.

[PLuto]

Pity they are saying Ahlin is unlikely to be back.

Most probably they are true.

[Simmi]

Even if Ahlin won every round of the BRC this year I don't see how it would help him make the step up to WRC.

That chance to go toe to toe against Evans in equal machinery was what really provided value in year one.



Anyone heard anything about Tom Cave this year?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

David Bogie will return to the @MSA_BRC this year, and will 'warm-up' for the season with a few snow outings in Sweden https://t.co/IKBd9jpzJZ https://t.co/Mz1bHnqkxU

[Fast Eddie WRC]

MN: 'Ahlin is considering an attack on the European Rally Championship although is yet to confirm any plans. He is unlikely to return to the BRC.'

[PLuto]

Interesting that Gus Greensmith is doing a full WRC2 campaign without competing in an R5 on the BRC.

There is budget behind him, so Malcolm prefers he spend money for WRC events, he gain more money there...

[Rally Power]

Interesting that Gus Greensmith is doing a full WRC2 campaign without competing in an R5 on the BRC.

After 2 seasons in JWRC (DMack Cup on Greensmith case), isn't WRC2 the logical next step for a young promissing driver?

[PLuto]

After 2 seasons in JWRC (DMack Cup on Greensmith case), isn't WRC2 the logical next step for a young promissing driver?

I think that DMack Cup and JWRC were too early for him...

[Simmi]

Would have been cool to see Gus do a BRC round in a Fiesta R5. Just to see how he stacked up.

[AndyRAC]

The second round of the BRC, the Pirelli Rally is a one day only event....

http://www.pirelliinternationalrally.co.uk

[Simmi]

Rhys Yates switching to a Fabia for this season - but no confirmation yet on whether he'll do the BRC. Which is interesting.

http://www.rhysyates.com/yates-makes-czech-upgrade-for-2018/

I do wonder whether he might go pot hunting and try the TER Series or something like that.

[Simmi]

So Rhys Yates will do the BRC after all according to Motorsport News. Plus Spain WRC, ERC Roma, Malcolm Wilson and probably a few others.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Worrying drop in entries needs addressing. 2WD Class and Historics need better road order and conditions to avoid damage.

https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/uk-rallyings-leading-lights-call-for-seeding-rethink/

[AndyRAC]

Further evidence of the sport in the UK; 20 R5 cars is just a pipe dream....

I have no idea what the solution is though.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

4 R5 cars at this stage is a bit of a joke. All the promise and excitement of a glorious new BRC era seems to have disappeared in just two years...

[AndyRAC]

It's seriously depressing; I've seen the entry lists (so far) for BTCC, BSB, British GT - and they're all looking good. So, what is wrong with the sport of rallying that it just can't attract entries?

Slightly off topic, but still relevant, the Mid Wales Stages will run on Sunday 4th March, despite being under the 'break even' number; there are 5 events that weekend. Why?? Utter madness.....

The sport needs a massive overhaul....too many events chasing too few entries.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

BRC1 entries gone from 13 last year down to 5 on the Border Counties... :(

https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/news/border-counties-cut-to-single-day-event/

[Steve Boyd]

That's what happens when you pitch your championship as a stepping stone. People only stay for a year or two & then leave. If they're really lucky they go on to better things but most don't & give up. The more that give up without progressing the less appealing the championship becomes to other hopefuls and it withers & dies. They need to build the BRC into a series that is an end in itself and is attractive enough for people to keep coming back. If they do that the competition will improve and it will become a stepping stone for the few who want to progress as the competition will be there for them to prove themselves.

[Simmi]

Malcolm Wilson rally postponed. Was supposed to be a big pre-season test for the BRC runners.

Now whether to make the trip up to a one-day Border Counties...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Malcolm Wilson rally postponed. Was supposed to be a big pre-season test for the BRC runners.

Now whether to make the trip up to a one-day Border Counties...

It's OFF.

https://www.msabrc.com/news/statement-ncs-border-counties-rally-event-postponed/

[Tom206wrc]

I can't find the live results page of the Border Counties Rally that should have started right now :confused:

[mousti]

I can't find the live results page of the Border Counties Rally that should have started right now :confused:It has been cancelled..

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[Tom206wrc]

Oh no :(

Thanks for the info Mousti...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It has been cancelled..

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Postponed actually. They hope to find a new date later in the calendar.

[AndyRAC]

Sensible decision, but the event only had 5/6 R5 cars, and originally cancelled a day of action. Whether they can get a new date is debatable; as I think that's 3 gravel events trying to reschedule for later in the year.

As for the BRC, there need to be another discussion on what it's meant to be. BTCC, BSB, British GT all have healthy entries and good series, so why is rallying the poor relation?

[AndyRAC]

I'd say here in the UK we are a unique case.

Despite having 2 WRC drivers, a WRC event, which pulled in massive crowds - we're actually almost a rallying backwater. Remember the IRC Scottish Rally that ran for only 3 years? Very few home drivers bothered to enter. Why?

The BTRDA is a nice national club series, but surely people want to do more than a 45 mile event? Or do they? We once had the BTRDA, then the ANCRO which were about 60-70 miles events, and then the BRC which were 120+ miles.

Yes, motorsport is expensive, but other British motorsport series seem to manage, so what is why can't rallying? Is it lack of sponsors due to poor media coverage, etc

[PLuto]

I am not following BRC so close, but from my point of view as person from outside - BRC should more focus to be a national championship, not international. Not so much try to bring foreign drivers or organising foreign event abroad, but focus on persuading drivers from all parts of United Kingdom and Ireland to do that championship.

[AndyRAC]

I am not following BRC so close, but from my point of view as person from outside - BRC should more focus to be a national championship, not international. Not so much try to bring foreign drivers or organising foreign event abroad, but focus on persuading drivers from all parts of United Kingdom and Ireland to do that championship.

Exactly! Which is what the other UK motorsport series are like - and they are a success. It should be showcase for the sport in the UK.

[PLuto]

They can make strong national championship with good international crews, like it was in the history. But now they should primary focus on local drivers, grow their interest, show them that they should be interested to do the championship, that it has great value. Go step by step. It is same like with drivers career - you should go from smaller cars and smaller championships to WRC. There is not so many drivers who started immediatelly in WRC (or ERC) and succeed...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think perhaps the BRC was let to go too far down, in fact so far down that it disappeared. The re-launch was, in hindsight, a false dawn.

Everyone hoping it was going to go on to great things but in fact if we are honest we were just kidding ourselves.

I'm sorry to be so pessimistic but I dont think its looking good for the future with the failure of some events to happen, organisers getting older and retiring, a lack of marshals and very low key media interest. :(

[AndyRAC]

Both Malcolm Wilson & Border Counties now pulled.......not good, all the time and hard work by volunteers - gone! I'm particularly angry about the MW, as they had help from other events, and seemed to have a date/ dates - but the North Lakes forestry wouldn't allow access. Poor...is one day really too much to ask?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

60 Years of the BRC...

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/features/british-rally-championship-60-years-uks-spectacular-motorsport/

[AndyRAC]

Blimey, reading that you'd think the BRC was in rude health.......it couldn't be further from the truth. Watching both BSB and British GT over the weekend, one couldn't help feeling a tad jealous; strong entries, live TV/ streaming, decent sponsors, etc The modern BRC has nothing.

[the sniper]

Oh boy, that is quite something Mr Evans...

https://i.imgflip.com/27r89r.jpg (https://imgflip.com/i/27r89r)

[the sniper]

If you ignore the reality of the current BRC like David Evans has it's actually a nice little article for a more mainstream audience, but even the quotes used by him (and the BRC itself) singing the virtues of the BRC are completely hollow, though I appreciate they were probably made around 2016. Ari Vatanen saying “The BRC is a fantastic proving ground for any young driver [...] the BRC: the best national rallying series in the world.” Yet, where's Max Vatanen...? In reality the BRC would now struggle to be considered for inclusion in a top 10 list of national rally championships, let alone challenge for the top spot... “It’s the place to be for any aspiring young driver who wants to make the step-up to international rallying,” says Malcolm Wilson. “Attracting young talent with its mix of gravel and asphalt rallies, the British Rally Championship really does provide the perfect platform for those looking to develop their skills and make a name for themselves among the rallying elite.” Yet this year he's running two gentleman drivers, and hasn't ran an 'aspiring young driver' in his BRC R5 team since Elfyn in 2016.

Then the calendar at the end. The Ypres Rally is a great event in and of itself, but it shouldn't be in the British Championship, it looks so out of place on that calendar. The UK arguably has too many rallies, with the vast majority of them lacking any kind of prestige as events. The British Championship going to Belgium for what is now 20% of its calendar to find an actual 'event' is a probably deserved slap in the face for British rallying, but doesn't do anything to help it. Even more so when the BRC guys can't compete with the Belgium Championship regulars, so doesn't even help the British Championship's image itself...

Unless some philanthropist or the MSA comes along with a desire to return the BRC to what it was, putting some money into the Championship and its events, I can't how the fortunes of the BRC can be changed. It's fallen too far. The 2016 relaunch wasn't built on any real foundations at all and that has revealed itself in the state of the BRC today.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oh boy, that is quite something Mr Evans...

https://i.imgflip.com/27r89r.jpg (https://imgflip.com/i/27r89r)

Me Replying to @MSAUK
"In its diamond year, the BRC has rarely shone so brightly." ??

Sorry, but no. It's now in a sad state for rallies, entries and even marshals. :(

[AndyRAC]

Maybe they're getting confused with the BTCC, which is also celebrating 60 years.......

[mousti]

Penasse probably regrets already his decision.

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[AndyRAC]

I haven't seen that story, but I can guess that maybe the importers in those countries are quite friendly to the sport, in regards to one make series.

[mousti]

Jamie Brown spent years in Belgium because it's quite cheaper than on home soil.

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[AndyRAC]

I don't blame anyone for going abroad for their sport; they seem to get better value for money.

Going slightly off topic, but UK Off road motorsport is the poor relation, when compared to circuit racing.

[Brynmor Pierce]

I don't blame anyone for going abroad for their sport; they seem to get better value for money.

Going slightly off topic, but UK Off road motorsport is the poor relation, when compared to circuit racing.

A big part of the reason for that is an awful lot of those within rallying don't understand/see the benefit in spending on promotion.

I've customers in both sectors, circuit racing totally gets the whole image / fan engagement / speculate to accumulate angle. Bar a handful in rallying there's an inward looking attitude and any cost/time commitment outside of the actual car there's total disinterest.

A good example is look where start venues for rallies are and the times thereof

[AndyRAC]

We need another Rothmans!

The closest we have come since is the amount of effort that Seat put in back in the F2 days, be it the big foam hands or the support around the JCMR with the promo bods and banners everywhere.


I remember that well - the whole town embraced the event - that is what a National Championship should be like. Oh, and by the way that was 1999......we're now in 2018......

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some good news at last !

Cronin Returns – The Drive For Five

Reigning Prestone MSA British Rally Champions Keith Cronin and co-driver Mikie Galvin will return to Britain’s premier rallying series in a Hyundai i20 R5 in 2018.

Click https://t.co/7VZkaRCpc2 to read more

#BRC #DriveForFive https://t.co/hzAoGOgl5e

[Fast Eddie WRC]

TV Coverage
https://www.msabrc.com/news/cameras-at-the-ready-as-brc-returns-to-global-tv-screens/

[AndyRAC]

No live radio coverage or streaming..?? It's only 2018....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some events might arrange their own live radio or streams.

At least the new TV company means no more Jon Desborough ! :)

[mousti]

Quality is quite down this year. No Ahlin, Cave, Henry, Pryce etc.. Quite a pity

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[Tom206wrc]

I wonder if Steve Rökland from Norway will run the entire BRC this season :confused:

[the sniper]

TV Coverage
https://www.msabrc.com/news/cameras-at-the-ready-as-brc-returns-to-global-tv-screens/

I think moving to Greenlight is probably a good move. The last two years the coverage has been sufficient, but not overly slick. The old Greenlight coverage in the past was a more polished product.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Quality is quite down this year. No Ahlin, Cave, Henry, Pryce etc.. Quite a pity


Yep, and not one top name coming in to replace them.

The only real change of interest is the switch to an i20 for Cronin.

[AndyRAC]

Talking of coverage; did anybody see the Otago Rally in NZ weekend before last? Live coverage on Facebook - That is what I'd like to see somebody do in the BRC.

[Rally Power]

By reading most posts on this thread one may think the BRC is a walking dead series, but after checking the Pirelli entry list it seems that’s not quite the case.
http://www.pirelliinternationalrally.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BRC-Seeded-Entries.pdf

Don't you guys consider that 13 R5 cars, with 4 or 5 drivers probably able to fight for the win, and plenty of young crews in Junior/Cadet classes are hopeful signs for this season BRC?

Btw, why aren’t all R5 cars seeded as BRC1 (some appears as RC2 or Class7)?

[Martin Liddle]

Because not all of them are doing the BRC! The championship column is more telling than the class the car is listed under.
In this case the data in the Championship column isn't completely accurate; for a more accurate version direct from the BRC Coordinator see http://results.djames.org.uk/results/eligibility.php?EventID=527&m=110 which shows 30 BRC crews which is two down on 2017 for this event.

[mousti]

Yeah there are maybe 8 BRC runners. Greer is entered but won't do Ypres eventhough it fits him well.. I expect in Ypres Cronin, Edwards, Bogie, Laffey, Yates, McCormack and Preston. And maybe the unknown Whyte and Kakad..

Time to get ERC back in Ypres.. It's a pity though..

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

By reading most posts on this thread one may think the BRC is a walking dead series, but after checking the Pirelli entry list it seems that’s not quite the case.
http://www.pirelliinternationalrally.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BRC-Seeded-Entries.pdf

Don't you guys consider that 13 R5 cars, with 4 or 5 drivers probably able to fight for the win, and plenty of young crews in Junior/Cadet classes are hopeful signs for this season BRC?



The Championship has lost several top drivers from 2017 as Mousti pointed out... and as I said, they havent been replaced. This cant make one hopeful for the future.
The series is still alive... but only just.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

David Bogie is playing his Joker on the Pirelli Rally.

[AndyRAC]

It's not just the WRC; both British GT and BTCC have rounds this weekend.....and with the best will in the world, even they're much bigger than the BRC, and are more media savvy than the BRC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Its also a WRX weekend in Montalegre.

With live coverage of WRC, WRX, BTCC & F1, the Pirelli wont get a look-in...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cronin
Had a good shakedown here in Kielder yesterday @PirelliRally . Phillip Case and his team have the Hyundai i20 perfectly set up, looking forward to getting to grips with the famous Kielder Forest stages . https://t.co/qb9arWiuTI

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cronin off to a flyer but Edwards quicker on SS2...

[Tom206wrc]

End of the story for David Bogie who crashed on SS1 :s

Superb performance from Steve Rökland, already 11th overall after two stages and largely leading the Junior BRC :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

End of the story for David Bogie who crashed on SS1 :s


Disaster after playing his Joker...

Edwards wins SS3 and takes the lead. :)

[Tom206wrc]

I hope Keith Cronin will be more lucky than Tom Cave last year with the Hyundaï(he always retired) :mark:


By the way, what's the problem for juniors Callum Devine and Oscar Solberg, they are way off the pace compared to 2017 :confused:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bogie :(
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Db3nRuHW0AA1RG9.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Edwards wins another (SS5) and extends the lead to 4s.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Top 10 overall after Stage 6/8⏱ SERVICE 2/2

1 - Edwards
2 - Cronin +13.0
3 - Yates +14.4
4 - McCormack +39.9
5 - Greer +1:10.5
6 - Laffey +3:39.4
7 - Preston +4:22.5
8 - Kakad +4:26.8
9 - Whyte +4:41.2
10 - Rokland (JBRC) + 5:48.4

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Edwards wins and Yates beats Cronin and takes second !

[Rally Power]

So, apparently there was a good fight for the win. Btw, isn’t Yates looking more competitive this year? His pace in Açores was a good surprise.

PS: No video links?

[mousti]

So, apparently there was a good fight for the win. Btw, isn’t Yates looking more competitive this year? His pace in Açores was a good surprise.

PS: No video links?Some drivers are much faster when they drive with a Fabia R5 that's the same with Yates.

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[Rally Power]

Some drivers are much faster when they drive with a Fabia R5 that's the same with Yates.

Maybe you’re right, but that would make more sense if he was coming from a DS or a 208 and not from a Fiesta (totally suited to Brit stages). Btw, apparently Yates also changed his co-driver; Edmondson (Ingram former c-d) is now on his side.

[the sniper]

PS: No video links?

This is the best produced (pretty much only...) video I've found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSD_RT3XevE

EDIT: There's a little intro at the start, but it's just pure footage/sound from 1m27s onwards.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So, apparently there was a good fight for the win. Btw, isn’t Yates looking more competitive this year? His pace in Açores was a good surprise.



The Pirelli was good in that there were different stage winners and changes of lead. Probably the best it could be in that respect .

Losing Bogie early on was a blow and wont help the BRC as he may not continue after losing his points (& Joker).

But the issues with short events, small entries, no manufacturers and no 'big names' leading to poor coverage are still there...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

British Rally Championship show -Channel 4 Sunday 6:40 am.

Sunday 6.40am !! This tells you everything about where rallying now is in the UK.

[Rally Power]

This is the best produced (pretty much only...) video I've found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSD_RT3XevE

Nice video mate; thanks for sharing.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally seeding rules relaxed https://t.co/7OTPE2Nfdq

Historic and two-wheel-drive cars can now run first on the road in rally events thanks to a change of rules made by the @MSAUK. Hopefully it will stimulate the entries of these classes. Great news. https://t.co/vR55NzX9f1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Going back to the Pirelli...

Watched the highlights and although the action was decent the presenters were very ordinary. No real enthusiasm was shown and it was all very flat. Not what is needed to give support and excitement to the Series.

(Saw the crash of Bogie for the first time though... quite nasty.
Plus those super tight chicanes are ridiculous...)

[AndyRAC]

Can't comment, as I haven't watched the highlights yet. However, having them at 06:40 isn't likely to get great figures, most interested people will watch on 'catch up'.
Also, in this day and age, Highlights are a bit feeble, but needs must I suppose. But there's no doubt that rallying is at a massive disadvantage compared to circuit racing, as they can livestream fairly easily. In an ideal world, both ERC & BRC would have some live action....but that's a long way off I would think.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Grooms Garage - Mid Wales Stages - Announcement.
After an emergency meeting was called last night, the organisers of the 2018 Grooms Garage are deeply saddened to announce that the event, scheduled for Sunday 27th of May is cancelled.
Full statement below. https://t.co/1EPnJLNPJw

This was a BRC rally recently and cancelled in 2018 due to lack of entries and volunteers. British rallying is in a sad, sad state. :(

[MrJan]

Lack of marshals is becoming a real problem. The hillclimb I'm doing on Saturday I'll be marshaling and competing because we won't have enough people otherwise.

At least they've revised the stupid 1400/historics rule, but I fear it's too late.

[dupanton]

Whilst the focus was on Portugal at the weekend, Rhys Yates had a run out on the Antibes rally and finished a good 7th in the Fabia. Maybe not as many cols in Ypres but good tarmac practice.

Stages of Antibes and Ypres are in no way comparable. Really not a single thing in common. The asphalt gives a lot of grip in Antibes and no grip in Ypres. Antibes has mountain stages which are slow and have many long medium speed corners. Ypres has got a lot of quick corners with big cuts and big braking zones into tight junctions.
I don't think you can learn anything in Antibes in preparation for Ypres...

[Steve Boyd]

I know been to both but dont think he's had chance to drive the car on any sort of tar as we are not exactly over run with closed road events in the UK just yet.
The Manx National was only two weeks ago.

[mousti]

I know been to both but dont think he's had chance to drive the car on any sort of tar as we are not exactly over run with closed road events in the UK just yet.He can enter Wervik like McCormack and Whyte .

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

2018 Ypres Rally entry list:

https://t.co/AquMiyYH4F

BRC runners mixed in with the Belgian Championship driver's.

[dupanton]

Neuville, Bouffier and Abbring are the clear favorites. Princen and Verschueren, the Belgian contenders should follow closely. Cherain, Fernémont are behind that, together with Yates and Cronin, best BritishRC driver last year. Curious to see what Veiby can do (I think he will crash...)

[MartijnS]

After seeing Veiby in Sardegna I said the same. He’ll probably won’t make it till the end.

[PLuto]

Ypres is very specific event. It is difficult to find how to drive there correctly - to be fast, but stay on the road. Especially if you are a driver with ambitions...

[Mirek]

But on the other hand Veiby was surprisingly good in his first Czech event. For sure better than Hänninen many years before him - and Hänninen won Ypres fair and square after some trying :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cronin looked quick in his PET and he will want to get a good result on his favourite surface.

Edwards may play safe and just try for a sure finish and good pts.

Yates could do well but its a big ask with his experience.

[Mirek]

I think that Cronin will be good. He did very good last year and now it will be his second start there and that counts a lot.

[Nelly]

I think that Cronin will be good. He did very good last year and now it will be his second start there and that counts a lot.He's also on Michelin this year as opposed to D mack last year which will be a major advantage on asphalt

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[dupanton]

Maybe switch all Ypres Rally discussions to 1 topic, in the Belgian Rally topic?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yates and Laffey playing their Joker (scores double points).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think that Cronin will be good. He did very good last year and now it will be his second start there and that counts a lot.

Great to meet the current @OfficialWRC leader and @HMSGOfficial "teammate" (aherm) @thierryneuville here in Belgium last night.

After sharing a test with him yesterday, we can confirm he can drive..:D https://t.co/g7J4aCRNVI

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1822361167806937&id=135798096463261

This live stream got 4500 views. Definitely the way to go for the future of rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Matt Edwards wins MSA-BRC Rally Ypres - well-deserved IMO.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DgZ9DwFXcAE4Tk_.jpg

[mousti]

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1822361167806937&id=135798096463261

This live stream got 4500 views. Definitely the way to go for the future of rally.Ypres stays popular. Big crowds at stages too.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[rallyfanbelgium]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiCCWWc3kT4

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ulster Rally seedings...
https://www.msabrc.com/news/seeding-for-the-ulster-rally/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Keith Cronin:
Unfortunately due to last minute unexpected budgetary issues we won’t be contesting The Ulster Rally .We wish to thank Hyundai Customer Racing ,Michelin,PCRS and all our longtime sponsors ,we hope to work with them again . Also special thanks to all our supporters far and wide.

:(

[AndyRAC]

A shame that a multiple BRC champion has to pull the plug due to lack of sponsor/ budget. If he is struggling, then what hope anyone else?

It’s another reality check for the sport in the UK – but I’m not sure what the answer is. Sadly, the sport is invisible here; but this has been happening for the last 10+ years, and nothing has really been done to address it.

Both the BTCC & BRC are celebrating 60 years; there’s been plenty of BTCC commemoration, the BRC has been almost silent.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another one gone...

Sam Moffett will not start tomorrow’s Ulster Rally due to work commitments. He will take the Ulster as his dropped score and hope for a strong performance in Cork to try and retain his #ITRC title https://t.co/FHm2geraE1

[MrJan]

A shame that a multiple BRC champion has to pull the plug due to lack of sponsor/ budget. If he is struggling, then what hope anyone else?

It’s another reality check for the sport in the UK – but I’m not sure what the answer is. Sadly, the sport is invisible here; but this has been happening for the last 10+ years, and nothing has really been done to address it.

Both the BTCC & BRC are celebrating 60 years; there’s been plenty of BTCC commemoration, the BRC has been almost silent.

Indeed, and for as long as the series is invisible it won't be popular for TV/fans so won't get the sponsors. It's a shame, I genuinely had high hopes when the BRC came back.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Channel 4 in particular have done the BRC no favours at all with their coverage.

Who is going to notice it at stupid o'clock in the morning ???

Even rally fans probably dont watch unless they remember to record it.

[MrJan]

Channel 4 in particular have done the BRC no favours at all with their coverage.

Who is going to notice it at stupid o'clock in the morning ???

Even rally fans probably dont watch unless they remember to record it.

Been the same for as long as I can remember, the BRC coverage tucked away at 7am on a Saturday morning and not repeated.

[AndyRAC]

And the sad truth is it doesn't warrant another time slot. Not enough watch to put it on at a better time....
Twenty years ago there was highlights on TopGear Motorsport....followed by a few years on Channel 4 at 11:00 in the morning, as I've still got the highlights on video...

[MrJan]

And the sad truth is it doesn't warrant another time slot. Not enough watch to put it on at a better time....

Self-fulfilling, ain't it. Not enough people watch so it's got a duff spot, so people don't know about and don't bother watching. But it's not exactly the most exciting series or best coverage to attract people either, I think the last event I watched was the Nicky Grist last year, and that was only because I'd been there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Showing the highlights a week later isnt going to cut it anyway, especially with younger people these days.

They need them at least the same evening, or better still some live streaming.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I was just reading that David Bogie has admitted he is considering an ITRC challenge in 2019.

“It depends what the British Championship calendar is. It’s an option to go to Ireland for the Tarmac Championship in the Skoda or do the British Championship again.
We’ll hang on to see what the BRC rounds are for next year before making a decision but Ireland has become a possibility.”

He is one of the BRC stalwarts and if he goes the series really is looking grim for next year. :(

[Rally Power]

Still no news about David Richards plans to revamp the series?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@MSABRC
Remember you can follow all of the action this afternoon and tomorrow on https://t.co/zSrx8Y5F8A with LIVE Text and new and improved results system.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Live tracking is also a nice addition and a bit of live streaming from SD this morning.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Edwards slowest of the top drivers so far on SS1... spin maybe ?

After SS1 of @UlsterRally

Yates 7:50.1
Greer +7.7s
Bogie +10.7s
Edwards +15.0s
McCormack +17.4s

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Edwards fights back - wins SS2 and now just 3.1s off the lead. :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Leader
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DkzrYhNWsAAzcvv.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jonny Greer off in SS3 & Desi Henry has also gone off in the same place - crews OK. Due to the incident in Cairncastle, all crews will receive the same notional time. Stage is confirmed as cancelled.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dk0UPhgXgAARrBu.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dk0URnoX4AA3tVa.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Win for Edwards on SS5 and takes the lead overnight.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Two more wins for Edwards and back in the lead after Yates took over after a win on the first one today. Nice battle.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yates punctured SS9 and now Edwards is solid in the lead by over 30s.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

EDWARDS WINS AGAIN... 3/3 in the BRC 2018. :)

[MrJan]

Still no news about David Richards plans to revamp the series?

I think Richards is concentrating more on the clubman level of the sport.

[AndyRAC]

There were signs up at least a month ago (if not longer) promoting the RedBull Driftshifters - and that the roads would be closed the whole weekend.

And not only that, at least 3-4 people in work talked about it, asking whether I had gone. I hadn't, it's not my type of thing, but I did watch about 10-15 minutes live on YouTube.

None of which the BRC can hope to compete with.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Same here as they know Im a rally fan. Drifting is ok for kids but its not rallying. Sadly most people seem to think its the same thing.

I hope the BRC got good coverage in N.Ireland at least.

[AndyRAC]

I'm sure the BRC promotors will be close to orgasm on their social media pages come Wales RGB, I can just see the claims that drivers will be able to put themselves in front of the WRC team bosses etc however the sad fact is the series appears to be in the death throes again which is a real shame.

The common factor is IMS; I don't think they are particularly good as promoters. BRC is poor again, and even Rally of GB isn't as successful as it could/ should or needs to be.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting comments from Eugene Donnelly in this week's MN as to why Keith Cronin's entry was pulled from Ulster. Mentions that his sponsors saw little worth in a BRC title and that the WRC is "where it's at".

That's pretty damning. I think his main sponsor is Tria, who are based in Cork (Eire), so they probably dont see much benefit in the BRC.

It looks like another nail in the BRC coffin and I cant see much chance of a future unless a manufacturer makes an entry.

The likes of Skoda, Hyundai or Citroen could give their brand a boost in the UK... but I suppose there are cheaper, easier ways. :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice Ulster Rally video summary on the BBC NI website:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/motorsport/45274006

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good fan video: https://youtu.be/8MpHXEBrIeU

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Well it's some coverage at least...

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/motoring/cars/725735/ulster-rally-prestone-british-rally-championship

[the sniper]

Well it's some coverage at least...

https://www.dailystar.co.uk/motoring/cars/725735/ulster-rally-prestone-british-rally-championship

Nice article, bit unfortunate it's in the Daily Star, but beggars can't be choosers...

Though there's the plug for Prestone, you can tell it's not come directly from the BRC/MSA, as he's highlighted the kind of spectating experience that the organisers have tried to destroy, all in the name of 'saving the sport'...

[AndyRAC]

Not a bad article actually - and agree with the spectator experience; which is totally opposite to the 'Elfyn/Ari SAYS' posters.....

I'd never heard of Prestone before the BRC sponsorship - and I can't recall seeing many of their products.

[AndyRAC]

Yes, why not - just for fun....... ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally IOM cancelled.. :(

https://www.msabrc.com/news/statement-rally-isle-of-man/

[AndyRAC]

They were unable to secure the Road Closure Order.....but that never seems to be a problem for the TT and Classic TT/ Manx GP. Anybody else think it's slightly strange??

[Zeakiwi]

Something seems strange indeed. Were the organisers late in putting their application in for road closures or have there been personnel changes in the Department of Infrastructure (not so competent or a green anti-motorsport takeover in the bureaucrats https://www.locate.im/investing/infrastructure/a-renewable-island ) or political - the voters think there are too many motorsport road closures on the IOM and 'behind the scene' the rally was the first to be halted?

"there have been insurmountable delays in securing the necessary Road Closure Order from the Isle of Man’s Department of Infrastructure."

[the sniper]

This article gives a reasonable overview of the background to what probably led to this situation: http://www.iomtoday.co.im/article.cfm?id=42349&headline=FoI%20shows%20why%20skids%20were%20put%20 on%20rally&sectionIs=news&searchyear=2018

Additionally there were issues like the stage start delays that occurred in 2017 (https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:iqAlmP4ariUJ:https://www.motorsport-news.co.uk/page/19/%3Fp%3D61033+&cd=11&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk) and the incidents in 2016, including where Mark Higgins caught the zero car in a live stage.

Frankly I think the IoM Government have just finally given up on the organisers. It'll be interesting to see where the rally goes from here. Perhaps they want to encourage a wholesale change in organisation, rather than supporting the current administration by essentially keeping them propped up on a life support machine each year.

[AndyRAC]

Maybe it's about time there were one set of organisers for BRC level events? I;e IMS do everything, organise, promote, etc with help from local volunteers.....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This was the last thing the BRC needed. It seems to be lurching from one problem to another (lack of marshall's, rallies cancelled, poor entries).

Other rally series seem to be better run (BTRDA, Asphalt etc) so it can be done...

[PLuto]

There is a question why the other series works quite well and BRC not...

[MrJan]

Highway officials were concerned about the safety of the event? Remind me what the IoM is famous for...

Sounds like organisers aren't helping things though but I don't know the set up of the motor clubs involved or what, if any, support they get from the Championship organisers.

[AndyRAC]

Other rally series seem to be better run (BTRDA, Asphalt etc) so it can be done...

Maybe the majority of British competitors are quite happy with those events, and don't want the extra cost/ hassle of the BRC. There has to come a point when those in charge have to face the reality that there maybe isn't the need for a BRC.



More on the Rally IoM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtuHvTSdUO4&feature=share

Make your own mind up.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Would be good to hear from the Organiser's but those guys interviewed appear very genuine.

It's even more unbelievable when they cant organise a (safe) rally in the most pro-motorsport area in the whole UK... :(

[Zeakiwi]

Should just hold a stage rally on the Jurby race circuit with a few road cones and plastic barricades for chicanes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

News this morning that the West Cork Rally has been included in next years British Rally Championship...

[Simmi]

Read in MN that the BRC have approach the Trackrod Rally about becoming a round to replace the Manx this year. Would need unanimous competitor approval to be added so I'd guess it's possibly a long shot. I did wonder whether quite a few would use it as a last-minute gravel test outing before Wales GB anyway. Let's see.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jack Benyon from MN has confirmed the Trackrod will not be taken as a round of the BRC.

Also on the AR podcast it was rumoured that the poor entry was the real problem for Rally IOM. The organisers seeing a big loss coming and used the Govt safety issue as an excuse to pull the plug...

[the sniper]

Also on the AR podcast it was rumoured that the poor entry was the real problem for Rally IOM. The organisers seeing a big loss coming and used the Govt safety issue as an excuse to pull the plug...

According to the guy with the overall responsibility for motor sport on the Isle of Man, who is separate from the department in control of the roads/infrastructure/road closure, he says the Rally organises were offered protection against financial loses in the event of them not having enough entries (I think the rally organiser said they needed 110, but there were around 80 paid, 30+ entered but not yet paid), reliant upon the event going ahead. IIRC he says they never returned the paperwork to make the application for the financial protection... He talks about it here: https://youtu.be/hAaBq5CVgeE?t=4m30s

The whole thing seems like a right shambles. From what I can understand it seems Rally Isle of Man was cancelled when it was because they hadn't been granted the Road Closure Order at the point that they needed to pay for equipment for the event (including Trophies) and for the road books to be printed, which the RIoM Chairman said would cost around £30k. Had the Road Closure Order not been granted before the Rally, which the IoM Infrastructure people state they believed could and would be granted, the Rally would have to be cancelled and the organiser's would have suffered the loss of £30k on equipment/goods that couldn't be recouped. It's hard to tell whether the Infrastructure department were warranted in making continued further demands rather than granting the Road Closure Order, but it seems to me like the Rally organisers didn't like the demands being made of them and essentially picked up their ball and went home, leaving the fall out to fall on everyone.

One thing they all say though is that they believe the Rally will be back on next year. Well, that may be the case and it may well go ahead, but I can't see any Championship or non-IoM based entrants being keen to get back involved with this lot. This has undoubtedly further damaged the reputation of the event. I think they'll need the financially or organisational involvement of the IoM state to relaunch the event and provide some guarantees.

If nothing else, it's been interesting to follow all the news and interviews from the IoM, where they're treating it like a big deal. More noise is usually made by a tree falling in an empty forest than is made by a piece of breaking news in British rallying!

This is the view from the Rally Chairman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fh9kFYo-rsw (5m 45s onwards for the stuff about the event losing money from ordering equipment should the event not go ahead)

This is the view from the equivalent of one of their MPs, who's provides a bit more of an overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7HahEzx_oE

[AndyRAC]

It's been interesting to watch both view points on YouTube; agree with the previous post, it is quite a big story, and almost eye opening to see the discussions of the sport on a news programme.

With the state of the BRC I wonder whether including events not on the mainland (apart from Ulster) is a good idea? I like the idea of including the West Cork, but how many UK-based entrants will it get?

I think the BRC needs a rethink, as the relaunch hasn't really taken off; cancelled events, smallish entries, lack of decent media exposure.

[MrJan]

David Richards certainly certainly seems to be having a positive effect elsewhere, with today's announcement that the MSA are relaxing the rules on a requirement for FIA homologated belts and seats. I may have already mentioned that he's apparently keen to push grass roots motorsport, not sure how likely he is to be worried initially about the BRC as may be more of the opinion that it needs to be built from the foundations. I.E get more people competing/marshalling/officiating at the entry level and they'll gradually step up. Currently the events/money/exposure offered by the BRC just aren't worth the outlay for the teams/drivers, and I can't see that changing soon.

Perhaps it needs a rethink of what they want from the championship, try less to be prestigious and more look at encompassing and supporting events that already work. Knock the idea of long or two day rallies on the head and just offer support to things that were already run reasonably well but with the need of support to expand.

[PLuto]

I am telling from beginning, that current BRC came with big eyes and wanted to have successful international series immediatelly. But it is not working like that. If you want to have successful championship, you must work on it, step by step. And show the drivers that it is worth championship to do... And I think this failed.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

2019 Prestone MSA British Rally Championship calendar*

16 February – Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, Llandudno, Wales

16/17 March – Quality Hotel West Cork Rally, Clonakilty, Republic of Ireland

27 April – Pirelli International Rally, Carlisle, England

28/29 June – Renties Ypres Rally, Ypres, Belgium

17 August – Ulster Rally, Antrim, Northern Ireland

7 September – The Armstrong Galloway Hills Rally, Castle Douglas, Scotland

Reserve Round – Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – Date TBC

*Calendar subject to approval by the MSA

[AndyRAC]

2019 Prestone MSA British Rally Championship calendar*

16 February – Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, Llandudno, Wales

16/17 March – Quality Hotel West Cork Rally, Clonakilty, Republic of Ireland

27 April – Pirelli International Rally, Carlisle, England

28/29 June – Renties Ypres Rally, Ypres, Belgium

17 August – Ulster Rally, Antrim, Northern Ireland

7 September – The Armstrong Galloway Hills Rally, Castle Douglas, Scotland

Reserve Round – Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – Date TBC

*Calendar subject to approval by the MSA

All good events - so, in theory, should be a good championship. However, 3 'away' events isn't going to be good from a cost point of view.

[PLuto]

Question is if you need "good events". Primary you need to have events, which are interested for the crews. Look at ERC - there is Acropolis and Cyprus, both nice events with rough gravel, but lot of crews prefers to miss it as it is very expensive, especially in terms of costs with rebuilding of the cars. I remember when czech championship had first round in Austria on Janner. It was close to czech border, on snow and with big gap before next event. In first years everybody wanted to go there to drive on snow, but in next years they have found it is too expensive event (you must be ready for snow, wet and dry) and czech sponsors were not interested in promotion in Austria...

Maybe this should be also problem of BRC? They should primary find the events, where they will have competitors. And find a way, how to persuade competitors to do more events in the championship, not only their local ones...

[Jarek Z]

2019 Prestone MSA British Rally Championship calendar*

16 February – Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally, Llandudno, Wales

16/17 March – Quality Hotel West Cork Rally, Clonakilty, Republic of Ireland

27 April – Pirelli International Rally, Carlisle, England

28/29 June – Renties Ypres Rally, Ypres, Belgium

17 August – Ulster Rally, Antrim, Northern Ireland

7 September – The Armstrong Galloway Hills Rally, Castle Douglas, Scotland

Reserve Round – Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – Date TBC

*Calendar subject to approval by the MSA

Jesus Christ, your championship runs in 6 countries, no wonder it's in trouble.

[MrJan]

Jesus Christ, your championship runs in 6 countries, no wonder it's in trouble.

Running in Scotland, Wales and England isn't that big a deal though and it ran similarly even when it was popular.

[AndyRAC]

Running in Scotland, Wales and England isn't that big a deal though and it ran similarly even when it was popular.

Yes, that's not a problem; there used to be RSAC Scottish Rally, Vauxhall Rally of Wales and the Pirelli International Rally.

I think an issue may have been trying to get events interested in being a BRC round; the Trackrod was and in the end pulled the plug. The Mid Wales was and the following year had to cancel due to small entries/ budget issues....

My only disappointment is all the gravel events are 1 day; but I suppose that is a cost issue due to the forestry per mile charges...

As a fan of the sport, you wish it success - but it's a long way to go before its on the same level as the BTCC, British GT, BSB....and I doubt it can reach those heady heights.

[Rally Power]

For sure the BRC should choose nice events and provide fine conditions to privateers but getting Ford, Hyundai, VW/Skoda or Peugeot/Citroen UK importers into the series must be the main priority, as only manus can bring the key factor for success: media coverage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I watched a recent round of the Belgian RC last night. They have a good entry of R5 cars, plus GT Class Porsches, BMW M-Cars and Historics.

We have better roads for rally over here but the BRC could learn a lot from them in terms of organisation.

[AndyRAC]

The BRC 60th Anniversary is being 'celebrated' at the RallyDay at CastleCombe today......

[the sniper]

The BRC 60th Anniversary is being 'celebrated' at the RallyDay at CastleCombe today......

Probably more appropriate to hold a wake...

I did RallyDay last year and it was great, far better than I'd imagined. Having Malcolm Wilson, Tanak, Elfyn Evans, JML and a 2017 WRC there certainly helped!

[MrJan]

I was thinking of doing rallyday this year as only done it once about 15 years ago, but a £25 ticket put me off and the weather forecast sealed the deal.

[AndyRAC]

I do wonder how long it will continue - when you look at something like RallyLegend, it's not really comparable; sadly.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The BRC must think people are stupid after stating that FOUR driver's are still in the running going into Rally GB.

Matt Edwards has double the points of the others and still his Joker to play !!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice to see rallying getting some British press coverage...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Doqv2eQX4AIx5Eb.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It was never really in doubt, but Round 4 (Rally GB, day 1) confirmed Matt Edwards as 2018 BRC Champion. :champion:

Very well-deserved after a dominant year and so many good results elsewhere too. The competition wasnt as strong as it might be but you can only beat who is there.

Matt is also one of the real nice-guys of rallying and it was great to meet and congratulate him at the M-Sport service area.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DovxvHCXgAEc2S0.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Matt Edwards seals the Championship with Round 5 win. (Rally GB Day 2/3).

Shame that Rd 4 winner David Bogie retired on SS20 with a mechanical issue.

[pantealex]

Fastest BRC driver in WRC Wales was 10min slower than 18y Rovanperä, LOL

(Fastest FinnishRC driver in WRC Finland did win WRC2)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fastest BRC driver in WRC Wales was 10min slower than 18y Rovanperä, LOL

(Fastest FinnishRC driver in WRC Finland did win WRC2)

I agree the BRC isnt the strongest. But Edwards only had to finish Round 4 to win the title so wasnt pushing on Day 1.

He wasnt pushing after that either on Rd5 as he didnt have anything to gain. Bogie was still running out of the 'contenders' and was 6mins ahead of Edwards when he retired with a mechanical issue.

[the sniper]

Fastest BRC driver in WRC Wales was 10min slower than 18y Rovanperä, LOL

(Fastest FinnishRC driver in WRC Finland did win WRC2)

I'm certainly no cheerleader for the current BRC, but to be fair, David Bogie was only 3 minutes behind Rovanperä after SS19, only 10 seconds behind Huttunen in 4th, but had a bit of an off and damaged the car on SS20. That's in a privateer Skoda. Also worth mentioning Tom Cave in his i20 R5, having only done two rallies this year (one in a Mirage R5, the other (iirc) a Group N Subaru Impreza), he was only +1:25 behind Rovanperä and setting competitive times going into Saturday morning, was also ahead of Huttunen's i20, but lost 10 minutes off the road. Eventual DNF after a "heavy landing" in SS20 which resulted in a broken sump guard and oil leak. While Tom Cave wasn't in the BRC this year, my criticism of the BRC here is that the BRC should at least be affording/providing a marketable platform on which the likes of Tom Cave and Osian Pryce can raise a budget to take part.

As Sal and Eddie say, there were extenuating circumstances around Matt Edwards showing, but still, I don't think his pace was much off what I'd expect anyway.


As expected despite all the hype on the BRC Facebook pages the BRC part of this event really was all bit invisible and seriously question the need for it to be included in next years championship. The WRC team managers and lets be honest there aren't that many of them unlike back in the day of the Open Championship are looking to the ERC/WRC2 as a "shop window" not a minor National series.

Rally GB will only be a reserve round next year. One of the things I find most incomprehensible about the likes of having Rally GB, Ypres and now West Cork on the calendar, though particularly the former events, is that the current BRC guys turn up and get shown up. How does it do the reputation of the BRC any good? How does it help British rallying to have a BRC round in Belgium? In the case of Ypres, it's not like most sports where there is a return match, where the Belgians have to come over and take on the British guys on something like the Isle of Man or even a British forest rally for example (which would be great), the British guys just go there to be also-rans amongst local fast experts...


Talking of Rally GB, I heard some talk from there that Bogie will do the Irish Tarmac Championship rather than the BRC next year. We'll see what happens...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rovanperä showed up all of the other R5 driver's, many with good cars and good teams behind them. It wasnt just the BRC guys.

The younger Brits like Greensmith and Ingram (while he lasted) did well.

And driver's like Cave and Yates show we have some decent prospects coming up.

[the sniper]

Rovanperä showed up all of the other R5 driver's, many with good cars and good teams behind them. It wasnt just the BRC guys.

The younger Brits like Greensmith and Ingram (while he lasted) did well.

And driver's like Cave and Yates show we have some decent prospects coming up.

No doubt there are fast young Brits. Perhaps more now than ever. Greensmith, Ingram, Cave, Bogie, Pryce, but only one of them felt compelled and was able to raise a budget to do the BRC this year, and seemingly Bogie may not be interested next year.

More positively, just came across this video on the BBC Sport site. A short but really pretty comprehensive review of the conclusion of the BRC from Rally GB. Sounds like the BRC might have found a friend at BBC Northern Ireland? Good job. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/motorsport/45795413

[mousti]

Edwards in WRC2 is a waste of money. Too old already. Yates has the right age, but better do ERC first and get consistent first.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Edwards in WRC2 is a waste of money. Too old already. Yates has the right age, but better do ERC first and get consistent first.


I agree - if the funding is there then ERC is the way to go for Matt Edwards.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Matt Edwards sounds hopeful:

'Pleased to announce we will be continuing our association with @Morrisoil into 2019 after a successful meeting at HQ today concerning our plans! Great to have the ongoing support of such a successful UK producer !' https://t.co/fGGske83P4