on Hankook tyres

Former British Rally Champion David Higgins heads to the Manx Rally this weekend after a hat trick of wins in China in his Hankook-shod Mitsubishi.

David, and co-driver Ieuan Thomas won the Liupanshui Rally at the weekend in the TQ Education Mitsubishi Evo 9 – completing the hat trick of wins for the pair in China this season.

The pair won the first two rounds of the China Rally Championship in Shanghai and Huariou and it was the third time David has competed in the Liupanshui Rally.

“We won in 2004 and last year we were leading the event when we had problems with the engine overheating so to win again is tremendous,’’ he said. “The stages are twisty technical ones which I really enjoy.’’

The delighted crew are now heading back to compete in the Manx Rally this weekend and a switch from the gravel tracks in China to the asphalt roads of the Isle of Man.

Hankook motorsports manager Mike Patterson said he was delighted with the third win in a row for the duo who have been impressed with the performance of the tyres. “It’s tremendous for David and Ieuan to continue on a winning streak and we are delighted that the Hankook tyres have played an integral role in their success.’’

While David switches back to his Toyota for the weekend Hankook will be back in action on the Swansea Bay Rally – as part of the Hankook GRC which moves to South Wales on Saturday.