25 year old Ross Forde, from Oranmore in Galway, today signed the contract to compete in the UK Ford Fiesta ST Rally Championship. As the recipient of the Billy Coleman Award, Ross will drive a M-Sport prepared Fiesta, complete with service crew, tyres and fuel for the 2009 season. The whole package is valued at €50,000 and is funded by the Irish Sports Council, Motorsport Ireland and its Affiliated Rally Clubs.

Ross’s first event in the UK Ford Fiesta ST Rally Championship will take place on 7th March at the Malcolm Wilson Rally in Cumbria.