Welshman Simon Hughes made a triumphant return to the Kwik-Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship, as the 22 year old from Colwyn Bay convincingly won the Formula 2000 category on the Total Manx International Rally at the weekend.Partnered by Berwickshire's Claire Mole, Hughes returned from his rally exploits in the Czech Republic for a one off appearance behind the wheel of an Autosport Technology run Renault Clio 'Ragnotti'.  The two litre Group N specification Renault would be well suited to the fast and bumpy Manx roads, and Hughes would face stiff opposition from local ace and event team-mate Andy Leece in his identical Renault.  Fiat Stilo Cup leader Shaun Woffinden would also be a driver Hughes would have to keep an eye on.Starting with a traditional curtain opener on the Thursday evening, the Atlas Communications backed duo settled steadily into the flow of the rally, as Manxman Leece made the most of his local knowledge to chalk up some impressive stage times.  Hughes was quickly getting to grips with the Renault as the light faded into dark and he slotted into second place by the end of leg.With a long twelve hour stint in the saddle lined up for Friday, Hughes was keen to crank up the pressure on Leece.  Hughes started to bite into the Manxman's lead and was rapidly closing on the Manxman before the Clios engine blew on the second run through the Jurby stage.  With Woffinden unable to match the pace being set by the Renault duo, Hughes now set his sights on trying to fight into the top 20 on the patchy wet roads.  A trouble free run through the Friday leg would see Simon and Claire in a strong overnight 19th position, some four minutes ahead of Woffinden.The final leg would see another eight stages across the length of the island.  After the tricky St. Marks stage, Hughes coaxed the Dunlop shod Clio into service with clutch and gearbox problems.  With the Autosport Technology team unable to change the parts in the time allowed, Hughes had no option but to nurse the Renault through the remaining two stages.  With the exhaust system parting company with the car on the final stage, it was a very relieved crew who made it to the finish to celebrate a fine 16th overall and first in Formula 2000.