Pirelli UK rally update

Simpson has proven Skoda for Ypres Rally

The Skoda Fabia Super 2000 Freddy Loix used to win the 2013 Ypres Rally will be back in action in the hands of Pirelli-backed British driver Neil Simpson when the FIA European Rally Championship event celebrates its 50th anniversary from June 19-21.

Simpson, principal of a successful Skoda dealership group in Lancashire, is contesting the Belgian asphalt event for the first time using the ex-Loix Fabia, which he purchased during the winter for his return to competition in 2014 following a 12-year absence.

“Ypres is the biggest rally in Europe outside the World Rally Championship – it’s a classic event and one I’ve been looking forward to doing for many years,” said Simpson, who began his ERC campaign with a fifth-place finish on April’s Discover Northern Ireland Circuit of Ireland Rally alongside co-driver Claire Mole.

“It’s very technical with long fast straights, tight corners and deep ditches – and much of the stages cross flat farmland, so there are very few landmarks to help guide you, meaning we’ll need very good pacenotes. It’s going to be like no other rally I’ve ever contested, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge. And this year, as the event celebrates 50 years, the atmosphere is going to be electric. We really can’t wait to get out there.”

This year’s Ypres Rally consists of 20 stages covering 202 miles (325kms) held within an 18-mile radius of the host town. The action starts on Friday with seven stages, followed by the remainder on Saturday and a night-time podium finish in Ypres town square.

British driver Neil Simpson will make his Ypres Rally debut using Pirelli tyres

Moffetts ready to chase Donegal success

Sam Moffett is the favourite for victory heading into this weekend’s Donegal International Rally, round four of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

Sam and brother Josh – a top contender in the Group N category – will both be relying on Pirelli rubber to help them through the demanding stages of the famous Letterkenny-based event, which starts with six stages today (Friday June 20).

Ford Fiesta WRC driver Sam Moffett and co-driver James O’Reilly won this event in 2013 and also claimed top honours on the last round in Kilarney to lie fourth in the championship behind current leaders Declan and Brian Boyle. Mitsubishi Lancer driver Josh Moffett was third overall in Kilarney and actually lies second in the points, but will still face stiff competition in the Group N class.

Friday’s action is followed by eight stages on Saturday and six more tests on Sunday. In the championship there are just two more rounds to follow – the Ulster Rally on August 15-16 and the Cork 20 International Rally on October 4-5.

Josh Moffett is the favourite for Irish Tarmac Championship success in Donegal


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