Ford BP Rallye Sport has confirmed the attendance of world rally star Markko Märtin at the PlayStation 2 Rally Experience at Punchestown in Ireland this summer.  The Estonian, currently lying second in the FIA World Rally Championship, will battle it out with 30 of Ireland's best drivers in a Ford Focus RS World Rally Car at the sprint event on Sunday 25 July.

Following victory in the Rally Mexico earlier this year and second on the Cyprus Rally earlier this month, Märtin is just one point off the lead in the world championship after five events.  His performances have also enabled Ford to lead the manufacturers' standings. Tipped as a future world rally champion, this will be Märtin's first visit to Ireland.

"I am really looking forward to the Irish event," said the 28-year-old Estonian.  "I have heard so much about rallying in that country and its top drivers.  The enthusiasm for the sport there is incredible.  Events like this, that bring rallying to the people, are fun to drive in and I hope I can provide the spectators with a real flavour of the world championship."  

Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland, comments: "In the absence of a domestic leg of the FIA World Championship, this is a rare occasion for Irish fans to experience at first hand a sport that is going from strength to strength. In Markko Märtin, they will be witnessing a future superstar."

The PlayStation 2 Rally Experience 2004 follows the success of the event two years ago, when over 20,000 fans cheered Colin McRae and his Ford Focus WRC to victory at Punchestown.  The organisers are expecting a similar bumper turnout this year.

"The PlayStation 2 Rally Experience is building a tradition of attracting world class drivers and Markko fits the role perfectly.  There will be further international additions as July 25 approaches," promised event organiser Ronan Morgan.

Märtin will compete in Greece, Turkey and Argentina before he comes to Punchestown where he will drive Austin McHale's Ford Focus RS WRC.