Rallye Sunseeker in Bournemouth is the first stop on the 2008 rally campaign for popular Welsh driver Julian Reynolds who is this year tackling the ANCRO Gravel Rally Championship in a Hankook Subaru Impreza.

Julian from Pembrokeshire and co-driver Patrick Walsh are seeded at number four for the event which gets underway with two night time stages in Bournemouth on Friday February 22 before a full day of action in the forests around Ringwood on the Saturday.

“We are really looking forward to getting out in the new car which will be a bit of a change from the less powerful Group N Mitsubishi I had last year,’’ Julian. “We had a short test in the car which went really well and it now looks fabulous in the new Hankook livery.’’

“It’s going to be interesting to see how we fare against the Group N cars and the other WRC cars but we are just looking forward to getting out and about and are really looking forward to getting the season underway.’’

Hankook motorsports manager Mike Patterson said he was delighted to be supporting Julian’s efforts this season. “Julian has tested the Hankook tyres in the past and has always been impressed with their durability and performance so we are pleased to offer him support for the whole year.’’

Rallye Sunseeker takes place over the weekend of 22/23 February with the first special stage at 7.00pm on Friday evening through Pavilion Gardens in Bournemouth. Following an overnight halt, the Saturday stages continue in the forests of Wareham and Ringwood and in the grounds of Somerley Park, near Ringwood.