Penrith rally driver Paul Bird just missed out on a deserved podium finish when he posted fourth place overall after the three-day Manx International Rally.

Driving the Stobart backed and Pirelli shod Subaru with co driver Andy Richardson, Bird was holding third place with just a couple of stages to go when he spun and lost time meaning after 168 miles of tough Manx lanes, he had to settle for fourth overall and an impressive third in the Irish Tarmac Championship.

“The suspension was too soft on Thursday and Friday so we stiffened it up and that made a difference.  But these guys are so fast, I can’t seem to catch them.”

Bird pushed hard on the final day, including setting fastest time on one of the stages but on the last corner of the penultimate stage, a spin cost him the chance of a podium.

“I threw it away, I made a minor mistake and blew it but I’m pleased enough with the result after not rallying on dry tarmac for over two years” concluded Bird.

Results

1, Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Subaru Impreza WRC) 2:16:23.2

2, Eamon Boland/Francis Regan (Ford Focus WRC) 2:20:44.8

3, Guy Wilks/Phil Pugh (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) 2:21:22.4

4, Paul Bird/Andy Richardson (Subaru Impreza S9) 2:21:17.1

5, Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Floene (Ford Focus) 2:21:35.7

6, Gwyndaf Evans/Huw Lewis (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) 2:22:09.0