Manxman Andy Leece has confirmed that he will contest the full British Rally Championship in 2005, making him the third member of his family to commit to the series. The reigning Ford Rallye Sport Ka Rally Champion will compete alongside cousins David & Mark Higgins as he drives an Autosport Technology-prepared Renault Clio in the new Formula 2000 category. The Forest Experience Rally School-supported 21-year old is confident that he will not be over-shadowed as he follows in the footsteps of two British Champions and is looking forward to making the step up to the UK’s premier rally championship.
“Winning the Ford Ka title has given me a lot of confidence and I want to carry that into the British Rally Championship this year”, Andy explains. “F2000 will attract a lot of new drivers but, with Richard Asquith and everyone at Autosport Technology behind me, I firmly believe we have the best chance of winning the category at the first attempt. Both David & Mark have driven for the team in the past and I appreciate how much it has helped them get to where they are today. This is a massive opportunity for me and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
Reading the pacenotes throughout the year for Andy will be 27-year old Oxfordshire-based co-driver, Simon Lassam. Although they have competed together in the past, it will be the first year that the pair have teamed up for an entire season.
“I first sat in a rally car with Andy last year and was immediately impressed by his talent behind the wheel. To have the chance to do the entire BRC with him is fantastic and I can’t wait to get started”, Lassam enthuses. “The last few months have been consumed with looking for sponsors and getting prepared, but now that we’re within touching distance of the first rally the focus is very definitely on showing the other F2000 competitors that we mean business right from the word go.”
Andy & Simon have teamed up with Kent-based Autosport Technology who will prepare and run a Renault Clio Group N for them throughout the season. The team has a remarkable record of nurturing young, talented rally drivers and equipping them with class-winning rally cars in the British Rally Championship. As well as Mark & David Higgins, other drivers that have won at the wheel of an Autosport Technology rally car include Robbie Head, Brendan Crealey, Jonny Milner, Neil Wearden, Niall McShea, Mikko Hirvonen and Jari Matti Latvala.
Autosport Technology has developed the Renault Clio Group N over the past two years and it has already proven itself to be a class-winner in events in France & Belgium. With a 2-litre engine that offers almost 200bhp, fully-adjustable suspension, and a power-to-weight ratio and limited slip differential similar to that of the S1600 version of the car, the Clio will allow Andy to develop a driving style and technique that will readily transfer to S1600 in the future. In keeping with their record, the team will be looking to put in some giant-killing performances in the 2005 championship.
The new car will be unveiled at the British Rally Championship launch event in Nuneaton on Saturday 9th April where fans, team guests and spectators will have a chance to meet Andy, Simon and the whole team. Just two weeks later they will start their first competitive event - the Rally of Wales, which takes place in the forests around Dolgellau on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th April.
