KUMHO APPOINTED KEY PARTNER AND OFFICIAL TYRE SUPPLIER TO THE MSA BRITISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
Posted: March 9, 2016 7:58 AM
Kumho, already the tyre manufacturer of choice for many rally teams, has been appointed a key partner and official tyre supplier to Britain's premier rallying series, the MSA British Rally Championship (BRC).
The company has developed new products especially for the 2016 season and joins rival tyre suppliers Michelin, Pirelli and DMACK in what will be a fierce four-way battle throughout the seven gravel and tarmac rounds of the series, during which everything from the notoriously slippery asphalt of Ireland to the infamous gravel of the Kielder forests will be encountered.
Said Kumho Motorsport's Steve Thompson: "We are absolutely delighted to be involved in the new-look BRC. We have always held the championship in high regard and to compete at the pinnacle of British rallying is very important to us.
"The opportunity to go toe-to-toe with other tyre manufacturers is what especially appeals to us. We cater for a lot of different single-tyre series, meaning we always win and always finish last! Competing against other top brands accelerates development of our products, adds significance to our success and gives us something we can really shout about."
BRC Championship Manager Iain Campbell added: "Kumho coming on-board is great news for the series and to now have four tyre suppliers is brilliant, as it will not only give competitors plenty of options but add another dynamic to the action on the stages. Perhaps some tyres will be better suited to the tarmac while others will shine on the gravel. Whatever, it will add further interest to an already exciting season."
The first round of the championship is the Mid Wales Stages event this coming weekend (March 5/6), for which 54 crews from 11 nations are entered.
BRC is proud to present......
Posted: February 26, 2016 2:58 PM
The MSA British Rally Championship has today (24 February) confirmed the broadcasting line-up for its Channel 4 and BT Sport coverage for 2016. World Rally Championship personalities Colin Clark and Jon Desborough will front the new-look seven round BRC season.
Colin Clark is one of the best known voices in the world of rallying having been the stage end reporter for the WRC's Radio channel 'WRC Live' for many years. His enthusiastic and passionate style will anchor the coverage for both the half hour Channel 4 show and hour-long BT Sport transmission.
"The BRC is going to make great television this year," enthused Clark. "We are going to have the best drivers in the best cars on some of the greatest stages in the world. The BRC will be the National series, with so many drivers able to win an event. Who isn't excited about that?
"To have the confidence from major broadcasting companies such as Channel 4 and BT Sport is a big credit to the team behind the BRC. The package is exactly what's needed to put the Championship back where it belongs. It is fantastic for the sport and I am really looking forward to being a part of it."
Jon Desborough is familiar to many rally fans and no stranger to the two channels. Desborough presented Channel 4's WRC coverage in the early 2000s and he is now the commentator for the WRC's international feed that plays out on BT Sport and around the world. Jon will provide the audio backdrop to the exciting visual action as the BRC unfolds on screens around the country.
"What an explosive mixture the Mid Wales start list looks like being: Bogie, Cave, Evans, Thorburn, Vatanen and many others," Desborough said. "I wish I'd had this idea myself. There will be tears before bedtime for someone, but it looks like we're going to have a great season."
IMS Managing Director Ben Taylor is delighted with the broadcast line-up for the revitalised series. "We have worked hard to bring together the best possible TV package for the BRC and to have Colin and Jon as part of the team is another important piece of the jigsaw. Both are well known within rallying and bring credibility to the coverage, while their infectious enthusiasm will add huge value to the programme content and make it an entertaining offering for the casual viewer."
Each event will be transmitted on the weekend after the rally, except for the Pirelli Carlisle Rally and Nicky Grist Stages which will be broadcast two weeks after the action takes place. Precise transmission schedules will be announced in due course.
Cronin and Greer bring Citroen marque to the BRC
Posted: February 18, 2016 10:45 AM
Three-time MSA British Rally Champion Keith Cronin and fellow Irishman Jonny Greer are set to tackle the full BRC season in a brace
of Citroen DS3 R5s. The Pirelli-shod machines are to be prepared by the well known DGM organisation.
The Parisian fimrs arrival into the championship completes the full set of current R5 cars in production as the DS3 will go up
against the Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208 T16, Skoda Fabia as well as S2000 cars from Proton, Ford and Skoda in the revitalised British
series.
Cronin and Greer are no strangers to the BRC, with Greer competing at the sharp end in a variety of cars since 2009 while Cronin is
a three-time British Rally Champion having taken the spoils in 2009, 2010 and 2012.
Keith Cronin was pleased to be back in the series after a few years away, ad commented "We already had the car, and with the
regulations allowing the R5 cars to be the top class, this enabled us to keep the costs down and do both the British series and the
Irish championship," explained Cronin.
"For us, it is all about seat time as I ?ve only done a few gravel rallies in the last couple of years, so I may be a bit rusty.
Elfyn [Evans] is possibly the benchmark, but we hope to be with him before too long. It's good to be back in the series and we want
to have a good go at it again."
Stablemate Jonny Greer has been a familiar name on British and Irish events in the DS3 over the past few years and is happy to be a
part of the new-look BRC.
" The whole package just worked for us. To be able to bring the Citroen to the party is great and the big draw and to go up against
some incredible competition. The rallies are fantastic and there will be some intense battles throughout the field," enthused
Greer.
"Having Keith as part of the set-up is incredible - his pedigree and speed are unquestionable and we are happy to have him in the
DGM fold.
"We are both going to give it our best shot, enjoy it and do the best we can. The buzz around the series is fantastic. I cannot
remember it being this big and exciting. We can't wait for the first round!"
David Bogie brings Fab(ia) Skoda R5 to the BRC
Posted: February 18, 2016 10:41 AM
Scotland's David Bogie, the last driver to be crowned MSA British Rally Champion in a four-wheel drive car, will attempt to repeat that title success when he returns to the series this year in a CA1 Sport-run SKODA Fabia R5.
The 28-year old driver from Dumfries became BRC champion in 2011 at the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX, winning three rounds outright (Rallye Sunseeker, Pirelli International and the Jim Clark) and beating Elfyn Evans to the title by 10 points. The two drivers will go head-to-head once again for the first time in five years, as they aim for the revitalised BRC title in like-for-like latest-spec R5 machinery.
When the BRC adopted a two-wheel drive rally car format, Bogie elected to stick with four-wheel drive and concentrate instead on the Scottish Rally Championship. Having already won the Scottish title in 2009, '10 and '11 (becoming the only driver to hold both the British and Scottish rally titles in 2011), he made it five Scottish titles in a row with victory in 2012 (in his Mitsubishi) and in 2013 (in a Ford Focus WRC). Mid-way through 2014 he changed to a Fiesta R5 - winning eight events over the next 18 months (the Scottish Rally National B and Speyside Stages in 2014 and the Border Counties, Rally North Wales, Scottish, Cambrian and Galloway Hills in 2015).
This year, Bogie will campaign a brand new SKODA Motorsport-built Fabia R5, which the Carlisle-based CA1 Sport team collect from the factory team's headquarters in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, during a two day roll-out last week. Bogie will shakedown the car on the Red Kite Stages (21 February), prior to the opening round of the BRC, the Mid Wales Stages (5-6 March).
Bogie completes CA1 Sport's star-studded three driver line up for this year's BRC, as he joins stable-mates Swede Fredrik Ahlin (Fiesta R5) and Carnoustie-born Alex Laffey (Ford Fiesta R5). Bogie's BRC challenge will be supported by Pirelli, Fuchs Oils, Speedline Corse and Oakbank Services.
Bogie said: "I had a very good meeting with SKODA Motorsport at Rally Spain last year, and since then we've been working on getting a Fabia R5 for the British Rally Championship. I think there will be a lot of Fiesta R5s competing in the BRC this year, so not only did we want to compete in something different, I was very impressed with the build quality of the Fabia R5. The car has proven to be very competitive overseas, and I'm confident it will be just has competitive on the British stages too.
"The year's BRC is full of very good drivers, but I'm obviously looking forward to competing against Elfyn [Evans] again. He's impressed me in the World Rally Championship over the last couple of years and I'm sure he'll be the benchmark in this year's BRC, but this will be the first time we've competed against each other in like-for-like machinery since I beat him to the BRC title in 2011, so we'll be pushing to win!''
"I haven't even sat in a SKODA Fabia R5 yet, so getting the car over to the UK and having a good shakedown in the car will be important. We're unlikely to have more than a one day in the car before just before the opening round of the BRC, but that's not going to stop us aiming for a very strong start on the Mid Wales Stages."
Martin Wilkinson, Head of CA1 Sport, said: "We're delighted to announce our exciting partnership with David, especially as it's such a vibrant time for everyone involved in rallying throughout the UK at moment with the much anticipated new-look British Rally Championship. David already has his name alongside some of rallying's biggest stars on the BRC winner's trophy, and we'll be doing all we can to help him achieve his goals this year.
"It's fantastic to have Pirelli, Speedline and Fuchs Oils on board to support our team, because without partners like these it just wouldn't be possible to compete at the highest level. This year is set to be a really busy one for CA1 Sport, and it's something the whole team is prepared and ready for. Initially we need to get David as many miles as possible in the new car prior to the Mid Wales Stages, although owing to various time constraints that might only be one day (Red Kite Stages) of pre-season testing - but we will do everything we can to ensure we're in a position to start the season with a very strong performance.
"Credit must also go to the new team and the individual event organisers behind the new-look BRC, because they've obviously made the championship very attractive to a lot of competitors throughout all the classes, and we hope that their hard work is rewarded with great battles on the stages throughout the year."
Swedish star Ahlin to contest full BRC season
Posted: February 18, 2016 10:21 AM
Swedish rally star Fredrik Ahlin will contest the MSA British Rally Championship for the first time in 2016, driving a CA1 Sport-prepared Ford Fiesta R5.
The 24-year old driver from Karlstad has only rallied twice in the UK, contesting Wales Rally GB in 2011 (driving a Fiesta R2) and in 2015 (Fiesta R5). He has however worked with the Carlisle-based CA1 Sport team for the last two years, driving on selected WRC events using a Fiesta R5 in the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship and a LeoVegas.com-backed Ford in the 2015 Swedish Rally Championship and WRC. Even though all the BRC events will be completely new to him, Ahlin will benefit greatly from the experience of the CA1 Sport squad, which is run by Colin McRae's former number one M-Sport mechanic, Martin Wilkinson.
Ahlin aims to contest all seven rounds of the 2016 BRC, as well as selected rounds of WRC2. His first rally of 2016 will be his home WRC2 round, Rally Sweden (12-14 February), before the car travels to the UK ahead of the opening round of the BRC, the Mid Wales Stages (5-6 March).
Ahlin's Fiesta R5 will be supported in the BRC by LeoVegas.com, Fuchs Oils and Pirelli.
Ahlin said: "I haven't done any rounds of the British Rally Championship before, but Martin [Wilkinson] has been telling me a lot about the events and I am really looking forward to it. I think there will be a lot of R5 cars starting the championship, and a lot of good competition. It's great that Elfyn Evans is coming back to do the BRC, because for sure that will be a very good benchmark for us and allow us to compare ourselves against a very good WRC driver.
"I hear that the Mid Wales Stages is near to where we did parts of Wales Rally GB last year, so it will be good to start a brand new championship on stages where at least the characteristics are a little familiar. I've always found the Welsh forest stages to have quite good grip, even when there is a lot of water on them, so it will be more or less flat out from the beginning! On Wales Rally GB last year we had some technical problems on the first day and had to superally, but after that we were setting some good times and fighting in WRC2 with the likes of Craig Breen, so hopefully we can take that momentum to the Mid Wales Stages and start the BRC season off well. It's going to be an exciting year contesting the BRC. I want to go out and enjoy it, and of course I want to score some top results. For sure we have the car and team to do it."
Wilkinson said: "There's no doubting Fredrik's pace. He has proven he can run at the sharp end on WRC2 rounds, which are extremely competitive, and hopefully he can transfer that raw speed into solid points and podium finishes during this year's BRC. It's important to start quick out of the blocks on these mostly single day events and coming directly from Rally Sweden should help. We plan to do some testing prior to Mid Wales to help him re-adjust to gravel driving using Pirelli tyres. He also knows the car very well having used the Fiesta R5 on so many events to date. It's going to be an exciting year for all involved and we have more news to come regarding Fredrik's CA1 Sport team-mates. Personally I'd like to thank our partners Pirelli and Fuchs Oils for their trust in us and support for 2016."
Channel 4 and BT Sport to screen British Rally Championship
Posted: January 27, 2016 8:54 AM
The MSA British Rally Championship (BRC) will return to terrestrial TV screens this year after concluding a deal with Channel 4 to cover the seven-round series. The country's premier rally championship, which begins in March, will also be shown on BT Sport as part of a new broadcast package that will ensure that the high octane action reaches as many fans as possible.
The BRC returns in 2016 with a new promoter, new classes, a new calendar and a new vision: to provide the ultimate test of the best drivers in the latest cars on some of the most iconic stages in UK rallying. As a result of its worldwide reputation as one of the most competitive championships in the world, drivers from Ireland, Australia, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Italy are expected to do battle with the UK's best rally talent, including M-Sport's WRC star Elfyn Evans. They will be hoping to add their name to a prestigious roll of honour that includes some legendary names of the sport, including Vatanen, Clark, Mikkola, McRae and Burns.
Produced by Worcestershire-based Hayfisher Productions, each BRC round will enjoy a half- hour slot on Channel 4 as part of the channel's weekend morning sports programming, with a repeat of the action later in the week. BT Sport viewers will enjoy a longer 60-minute programme, providing an opportunity to expand on some of the great stories that will develop in the course of the season, including the battle for the DMACK Junior BRC title that will catapult one young driver into international competition in 2017.
"We are delighted to be involved with the relaunched BRC and to have Channel 4 and BT Sport onboard is a real coup," explained Richard Hay, Director at Hayfisher Productions. "We have worked previously with British and World Championship rallying and it is great to be back involved with the sport once again. Rallying in Britain is on the up and it is fantastic to have the Championship on terrestrial television for the new-look 2016 season."
"Achieving this fantastic broadcast package with Channel 4 and BT Sport is another important development for the championship," said Ben Taylor, Managing Director of championship promoter, International Motor Sports. "The BRC is looking fantastic for the new season, with a great variety of cars, drivers and nationalities, and this TV deal underlines the strength of the series. The buzz is really back now and we can't wait to get started in March!"
The revamped series will take in seven events across the British Isles as it tours England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland before culminating on the iconic lanes of the Isle of Man.
Keep tabs on all the latest BRC developments by visiting www.msabrc.com or following us on social media: MSA British Rally Championship on Facebook and @MSA_BRC on Twitter using #BRC.
Evans And Vatanen Back in British Rallying With DMACK
Posted: January 13, 2016 7:06 AM
World rally star Elfyn Evans and Finnish sensation Max Vatanen will spearhead DMACK's challenge on the revitalised 2016 MSA British Rally Championship. The two drivers are hoping to follow in the footsteps of their fathers, both former British rally champions, when they tackle the UK's premier rally series for the DMACK British Rally Team.
Welshman Evans, 27 from Dolgellau in mid-Wales, comes from a full World Rally Championship season with the M-Sport team. He scored two podiums last year, with a career-best second on the Tour de Corse in October, and will certainly be a contender for the coveted British title.
His father Gwyndaf was crowned British champion 20 years ago in 1996 and finished runner-up four times. Elfyn will dovetail his title challenge at the wheel of the team's Ford Fiesta R5 with a WRC 2 campaign for M-Sport and will be co-driven by Craig Parry.
The iconic Vatanen name also returns to the UK. Forty years after rally legend, former world champion and current DMACK brand ambassador Ari Vatanen claimed the British title, his 25-year-old son Max will tackle the series. Max has competed in the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy for the past two seasons but makes the step up to four-wheel-drive for the first time this year.
Both Ford Fiesta R5s will be equipped with the latest generation DMACK tyres. The tyre manufacturer has used the world series to develop its products and will have a new and upgraded range of gravel and asphalt products available for competitors in all classes of the BRC this year.
DMACK is also providing a huge prize for the sport's up-and-coming young stars. The winner of the DMACK Junior BRC will receive a helping hand into the WRC with a scholarship to the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy worth ?60,000.
This year's invigorated BRC is set to be one of the most exciting championships in recent years with the UK's top events across England, Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales promising a fierce challenge. The series kicks into action with the Mid Wales Stages on 5-6 March.
Dick Cormack, DMACK managing director, said: "We are really excited with the revived BRC and keen to be involved. Committing to a two-car campaign was the obvious choice for us and we have a really enthusiastic line-up with Elfyn and Max. Not only are they up for the challenge but there's a huge historical significance with their fathers both being former British Rally Champions. Elfyn's presence in the BRC will really help young drivers progress as I believe he will provide a competitive benchmark and give them something to aim for."
Elfyn Evans said: "It's great to be back in the BRC during a revival year which sees the championship organisers putting so much effort into getting the series back to a high level. It's also exciting to join the DMACK team alongside Max and to start our campaign on my home event at the Mid Wales Stages will definitely be a special feeling. While I will be pushing on every rally, the events will also provide us with valuable seat time in the Ford Fiesta R5 for our challenge in the WRC 2 championship."
Max Vatanen said: "I've heard so much about the stages in the BRC so I'm really looking forward to the first event. The championship will provide me with some great experience and the support from my father and my new team-mate Elfyn will be extremely valuable. I don't have much knowledge of the UK, especially on Tarmac, so it will be a big learning season for me but I'm ready for the challenge it brings."
DMACK Joins Forces With M-Sport And Motorsport News To Launch Young Driver Award
Posted: January 13, 2016 7:00 AM
DMACK has partnered with rally preparation experts M-Sport and top motorsport publication Motorsport News, launching a new award to find the next rising star to join the DMACK British Rally Team.
The DMACK M-Sport Motorsport News Rally Driver Award is the second initiative introduced by DMACK to support career progression among competitors in the new-look 2016 MSA British Rally Championship (BRC).
One driver will be selected from each BRC round by a panel of judges and will be joined in an end-of-season shoot-out by wildcards from other UK championships including the BTRDA Rally Series. Finalists will undergo a series of driving skills, physical and media assessments with the winner getting a chance to join the DMACK team for its 2017 BRC campaign.
The judges will include M-Sport boss Malcolm Wilson, Motorsport News national rallying editor Jack Benyon, 2001 WRC champion co-driver Robert Reid, DMACK brand ambassador Ari Vatanen and DMACK directors Dick Cormack and Glenn Patterson.
The award increases DMACK's presence in the revived BRC. In addition to today's separate announcement that it will run a two-car team for Elfyn Evans and Max Vatanen, DMACK is also supporting the Junior BRC with a prize worth ?60,000 to help the champion step up to the world series.
The DMACK M-Sport Motorsport News Rally Driver Award will be officially launched at Autosport International on Thursday.
Dick Cormack, DMACK managing director, said: "This award is set to further inspire career-focused drivers and, along with the prize from the DMACK Junior BRC, will ensure competitors in the British championship have some great opportunities to progress their careers both within the series and onwards to world rallying. We want to reward drivers who have the ambition, passion and drive to reach the highest ranks of the sport."
Malcolm Wilson OBE, M-Sport managing director, said: "The 2016 British Rally Championship looks as though it's going to be a really exciting championship. I'm sure that we will see a lot of young talent signing up for the series and the DMACK M-Sport Motorsport News Award is a great way of supporting - and discovering - the talent UK rallying has to offer."
Kevin Turner, Motorsport News editor, said: "One of our big frustrations is seeing talented drivers not get the opportunities they deserve. Hopefully this will go some way to helping those drivers, and it is to DMACK and M-Sport's great credit that they are throwing their weight behind the initiative. The signs are that the rebirth of the British Rally Championship will really give this country a genuinely competitive and entertaining step towards the world stage."
MSA BRC Promotional Video
Posted: January 11, 2016 2:26 PM
DMACK Tyres gives Junior BRC rubber stamp of approval
Posted: December 21, 2015 8:39 AM
The MSA British Rally Championship (BRC) is delighted to announce that the 2016 Junior BRC Champion will win a subsidised drive in the 2017 Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy worth STG 60,000. Thanks to the support of Carlisle-based tyre manufacturer, DMACK, the winner will begin their international rallying career on five FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) events in 2017.
Open to any driver under the age of 26, the DMACK Junior BRC will be a competitive proving ground for crews as they have the chance to tackle some of the best forest stages and Tarmac tests in the British Isles in FIA-homologated R2 cars. DMACK will supply control tyres for the DMACK Junior BRC series, and the number of tyres used per round will be restricted to keep costs to a minimum and to create a level playing field for all competitors in the class.
The series will take in all seven BRC events, however, drivers will only carry their best six scores towards the championship. Every crew will have to play a Joker to play on one of the rounds for which they will score double the points and the final round on the Isle of Man will also count for double points.
DMACK is renowned for encouraging young driver development and today's announcement confirms a further commitment to the sport. By supporting the Junior BRC category, DMACK is completing a unique pathway for aspiring young drivers that can take them all the way from the domestic series right up to the top of the WRC.
The 2016 DMACK Junior BRC Champion will take a huge step onto the world stage with a subsidised drive in the 2017 Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy on five WRC rounds, with the winner benefiting from testing before every round as part of the package. The winner of the 2017 Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy will themselves receive a funded drive in an R5 car on selected events during the 2018 WRC season.
The company has already made big commitments to the 2016 BRC, having announced that it will run promising young talent Max Vatanen, son of 1980 BRC Champion and 1981 World Champion Ari Vatanen in a Ford Fiesta R5 adorned in the DMACK colours.
Dick Cormack, DMACK managing director, said: "In addition to supplying performance tyre products, the DMACK ethos is built around helping career-focussed drivers through the ranks of the sport. The Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy has been hugely competitive and successful ? proving the performance of our products on two-wheel-drive cars on the world's toughest stages ? and we are delighted to be able to link into that from our home rally championship. It's a huge prize and one which we are sure will create some excellent competition."
BRC Championship Manager Iain Campbell is delighted to have DMACK Tyres supporting the 2016 series.
"We set out to create a junior championship that would help the best young drivers progress their careers and we are absolutely thrilled that DMACK's superb prize confirms that the Junior BRC is the best place for young drivers in this country and abroad to compete next year.
"DMACK were one of the first to signal their intentions by announcing that they would run Max [Vatanen] next year in the BRC1 category and from there we have seen many drivers commit themselves to what is going to be a fantastic series.
"Now to have DMACK's support for the Junior BRC is fantastic, not only for the championship but more importantly for the young drivers who will hope to use it as a launch pad for their careers. The winner will earn themselves an amazing opportunity to progress onto the International stage, while all the drivers and co-drivers in the Junior BRC will be supported in their development by the coaches and tutors of the MSA Academy."
Recognising the variety of options open to young drivers, BRC organisers have confirmed that the winner of the DMACK Junior BRC is not obliged to take the Drive DMACK prize for 2017. Should they wish to progress their career elsewhere, perhaps alongside a manufacturer, then the winner can opt to take an alternative cash prize of STG 20,000 towards a programme of their choice the following season.
The 2016 BRC season will be open to rally cars conforming to FIA-homologated classes. The top category will see the exciting R5 cars do battle with S2000 and RRC machinery at the front of the field, while support classes including the Junior BRC for R2 specification cars will showcase the very latest rallying models on the special stages. There is also a National Rally Cup for non-homologated cars that have an MSA log book, which will compete over the same events with the same challenges.
The revamped series will take in seven events across the British Isles as it tours England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland before culminating on the iconic lanes of the Isle of Man. Asphalt special stages and gravel tests will see the country's best drivers in the best cars fight for overall supremacy on the best events.
Vatanen name to return to the British Rally Championship in 2016
Posted: December 10, 2015 2:22 PM
Exactly 40 years after lighting up the series and winning the title, the Vatanen name will return to the British Rally Championship: a series that has produced no fewer than five world rally champions.
Max Vatanen has concluded an agreement to drive a DMACK Ford Fiesta R5 on the 2016 British Rally Championship, precisely 40 years since his famous father Ari first contested ? and won ? the British Rally Championship in a Ford Escort. Ari returned for another victorious campaign in Britain in 1980, one year before he won the world title in 1981.
Ari was not the only driver to achieve back-to-back success in the British and world championships, underlining the traditional quality of the field on the British series: Stig Blomqvist also won the British championship in 1983, before becoming world champion in 1984.
Max though is aiming to come to the new-look British Rally Championship next year with a title under his belt already. He is currently third in the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy, which uses the latest R2 version of the Ford Fiesta, and his goal is to clinch the title.
"I'm absolutely thrilled to have concluded this agreement to compete in the British Rally Championship with DMACK next year," said the 24-year-old Finn. "Not only am I looking forward to a fantastic car and an awesome championship with some legendary events, but it's also going to be a very significant campaign for me personally. I'm obviously lucky enough to have a very important family history on the British Rally Championship, so I will be doing my absolute best to ensure that the Vatanen name continues to make the series proud. I know that comes with a certain pressure, but that is part of the job."
Max will face some considerable challenges when he graduates to the British Championship next year, thanks to a more powerful four-wheel drive car, which has close to the performance of a World Rally Car, and some challenging events that are completely new to him.
The British Rally Championship is traditionally quite specialised, with some unique surfaces and conditions influenced by the inimitable British weather, as well as plenty of fast local experts who have built up unparalleled knowledge of the stages. This is why the British Rally Championship has historically attracted some of the biggest names in the sport ? with Ari the first of them who went on to become world champion.
"I've been fortunate enough to test the R5 Fiesta briefly on a few occasions, but of course this will be a big step up for me and one that I will certainly make the most of," said Max. "The rallies are all new to me as well; many of them are real classics. They say that if you can drive quickly in Britain, you can drive quickly anywhere, so I cannot wait to find this out for myself. Many thanks to DMACK and all the people who have believed in me so far."
Max has the best possible mentor in his father, who has some great memories of the British Rally Championship, having also been a long-time resident in England. The 1981 World Rally Champion still looks back at his time contesting the series with plenty of fondness.
"I can honestly say that some of the best memories of my career come from Great Britain," commented Ari. "The whole sport has changed beyond recognition since my day, but I'm sure that the character of the stages is not much different. The British Rally Championship is one of the best championships in the world: I know it's going to be tough but at the same time an incredible year for Max."
Vauxhall returns to the BRC
Posted: December 10, 2015 2:17 PM
Vauxhall Motorsport will return to the British Rally Championship in 2016 with an Adam R2 run by Major Motorsport. Boss, Simon Mauger said, "We are working on behalf of Vauxhall and they are throwing everything behind us. We've had a lot of interest already and a lot of young drivers like the look of this car."
Emil Bergkvist won the European Rally Championship Junior title in an Adam R2 and Mauger is sure it isn't just the driver responsible for the success. "Emil is a good driver but you can see how good the car is. It is the benchmark in the ERC. We want to provide a real opportunity for young drivers and we are also hoping to bring the Adam Cup to the BRC with a prize fund and a leg up to the R2 class."
MSA British Rally Championship confirms 2016 calendar
Posted: December 2, 2015 6:01 AM
The MSA British Rally Championship (BRC) has today (2 December 2015) confirmed its calendar for the 2016 season. The revamped series will take in seven events across the British Isles as it tours England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland before culminating on the iconic lanes of the Isle of Man. Asphalt special stages and gravel tests will see the country's best driver's in the best cars on the best events fight for overall supremacy.
The new-look BRC calendar is filled with some of the most iconic events in Europe as well as some new, exciting challenges ? all ready to host the country's premier rallying championship in 2016. The Builth Wells-based Nicky Grist Stages joins the schedule on 9/10 July as the first mixed-surface BRC rally since 1987. With gravel stages in the famous Welsh forests and Tarmac tests on the spectacular Epynt Ranges, the format will be similar to that of the famous Welsh International of the 1980s.
The legendary Manx International on the picturesque Isle of Man will return to the BRC on 15-17 September as the season finale. The island roads are the ultimate challenge and they will play host to the crowning of the 2016 British Rally Champion. With the event worth double points, however, the title battle is sure to go to the end of the very last stage of the year.
The 2016 BRC season will be open to rally cars conforming to FIA homologated classes. The top category will see the exciting R5 cars do battle with S2000 and RRC cars at the front of the field, while support classes including the Junior BRC for R2 specification cars will showcase the very latest rally machines on the special stages. There is also a National Rally Cup for non-homologated cars that have an MSA log book that will compete over the same events with the same challenges.
BRC Championship Manager Iain Campbell is pleased with the final 2016 Calendar and is excited about the year ahead.
"We are delighted to welcome the Nicky Grist Stages and Rally Isle of Man onto the calendar for next year," he said. "To have a mixed surface event in the Championship in the form of the Nicky Grist Stages is a real coup and something the BRC hasn't done since the ?80s, while the Manx and the BRC go hand in hand and will provide a fitting double points finale.
"These two events are replacements for the Granite City Rally, which has a new organising team for 2016, and the Jim Clark Rally which is back on gravel again for next year as it cannot be certain of gaining the road closures required next summer.
"It has been a real jigsaw puzzle to put it all together, but the events we have are among the best in the British Isles and we cannot wait to see the best drivers in the best cars fight for supremacy!"
The much-anticipated 2016 British Rally Championship season will start in Wales on 5/6 March for the Mid Wales Stages. The stages are classics and have recently been used on Wales Rally GB, the UK's round of the FIA World Rally Championship. From Wales, the series will travel across the water to take on the classic Circuit of Ireland Rally before a run of gravel tests on the Pirelli Carlisle and RSAC Scottish rallies, with the mixed-surface Nicky Grist Stages shortly after. The BRC then travels back across the Irish Sea for the Ulster Rally before heading to the Isle of Man for the championship curtain call in September.
Championship Rounds
Posted: December 2, 2015 6:00 AM
Mid Wales Stages - 5-6 Mar 16
Circuit of Ireland - 7-9 Apr 16
Pirelli Carlisle Rally - 30 Apr-1 May 16
RSAC Scottish Rally - 24-25 Jun 16
Nicky Grist Stages (Quinton) - (Sat) 9 Jul 16
Ulster Rally - 19-20 Aug 16
Isle of Man - 15-17 Sep 16
National Rally Cup - full BRC events for non-homologated cars
Posted: December 2, 2015 5:51 AM
For cars that have an MSA log book but are not FIA homologated we have created the National Rally Cup. Running over the same route and stages as the homologated BRC class cars, this is a great opportunity for competitors to compete on more than 45 competitive miles that make up the majority of stage rallies in the UK.
If the current 2015 MSA regulations on running order remain in place, the National Rally Cup entrants would be seeded on performance and therefore the whole field would run as one.
With its own classes and end of year winners, the NRC gives something for the whole season. Recognising that many national competitors do not want to take excessive time away from business, reconnaissance will not be permitted on gravel events within NRC, though the option to purchase route notes will be allowed.
The organisers of next year's MSA British Rally Championship will hold an open meeting for competitors and teams on Friday 18th September at Castle Combe circuit. The event, to be held on the afternoon before Rallyday, will enable those considering an entry in any of the classes of the 2016 BRC to hear the latest news about the championship and to ask any outstanding questions about the series.
"The feedback from competitors and teams to the outline plans for next season has been incredibly positive," says Ben Taylor, IMS Managing Director. "Things are really coming together nicely and there will be further announcements during the coming weeks, but this open day will enable everyone to get all the information in one place and importantly to ask the questions they need addressing. Dovetailing with Rallyday at Castle Combe makes a lot of sense as many people will be heading there anyway for the Saturday, so we look forward to catching up with as many people as possible over the weekend."
The meeting will begin at 1.30pm on Friday 18th September with a sandwich lunch available from 12.30pm. Those wishing to attend should email their details to brc@msaevents.co.uk as access to the circuit will be restricted on the day. Those not able to attend are also invited to register their details at brc@msaevents.co.uk so that full information can be sent to them on the day.
BRC representatives will also be available for further discussions throughout Saturday's Rallyday on the main Wales Rally GB stand.
British Rally Championship gears up for rousing return in 2016
Posted: July 1, 2015 9:27 AM
The MSA British Rally Championship returns in 2016 with an exciting new-look calendar to go with the revised vehicle eligibility regulations that were announced in January.
In what's set to be the biggest shake-up for many years, next season's revitalised BRC will be staged throughout the British Isles and will include a mix of gravel and asphalt surfaces to provide crews with the ultimate challenge in national rallying.
Starting in March and concluding in September, the new championship will comprise seven events, of which four are retained from previous years, while three are new or returning rounds of the championship.
The campaign opens with the Mid Wales Stages, using the legendary forests of Myherin and Hafren that test the world's best drivers each year on Wales Rally GB. A visit to Belfast after Easter allows crew to test themselves against the FIA European Rally Championship's top stars on the UK's second biggest stage rally, the Circuit of Ireland, before returning to Carlisle for the first of four long-standing BRC events, the Pirelli Rally.
Having tackled Kielder over the Bank Holiday weekend, the BRC crews will take on the Borders' asphalt for the Jim Clark Rally at the end of May. The Scottish Rally occupies its traditional date at the end of June, before an eight-week gap to the championship's second visit to Northern Ireland for the Ulster Rally in August. The season will conclude with a journey north for the end of year celebrations at the Granite City Rally in Aberdeen, which put on such a great show earlier this year.
The inclusion of a made-for-TV one-day special event remains a possibility for 2016, subject to discussions with broadcast partners and securing a suitable venue/date.
Ben Taylor, IMS Managing Director, said:
"Compiling a brand new calendar has been one of the most challenging aspects of putting the new BRC together; every event and date change has ramifications across the sport and we have tried to be mindful of that. We are grateful to all the events that expressed an interest in being involved, either next year or in the future - they have taken a great leap of faith to support what we are trying to achieve.
"I am thrilled with the quality of the events that we have secured on the calendar and I am sure they will provide the best possible test of the best drivers in British rallying next year.
"But we should also spare a thought for those events that narrowly missed out. We have had to make some tough decisions, but we feel that this is the optimal calendar to relaunch the championship in 2016. Nothing is set in stone beyond that and we will continue to talk with them; it is important that ambitious events know that the BRC is not a closed shop."
Now that the calendar has been agreed, Taylor explained that his team's attention will turn to the remaining aspects of the creation of the new championship.
"Competitors, teams and events need as much notice as possible to get things in place for next year, so we have moved to publish the calendar as early as we can. I would like to thank everyone that has played a part so far, as the creation of a new and exciting championship takes a huge amount of work. We are nowhere near finished yet and there are still a lot of things to sort out, like TV and media, one-make championships and prize funds.
"I must also pay tribute to the sport and the other championships, because there has been a lot of change and uncertainty caused by the absence of a BRC in 2015 and then the creation of a new series for 2016. We have been clear in our ambitions to raise standards and provide a fitting pinnacle for the long-term strength of the UK rally scene, and it is encouraging that most people throughout the sport seem to have welcomed this approach. The most important thing is that we all work together as one sport to give the competitors and the fans what they want, which will make the events more successful and the clubs behind them stronger.
"We now look forward to starting work with our partner events to create the best possible rallies for our competitors and putting in place the remaining elements to create an outstanding and exciting new British Rally Championship.
"The enthusiasm to date has been overwhelming and, while we know that talk is cheap and what counts is what happens in March 2016, if only half of those who say they are coming actually turn up, we'll be absolutely delighted."
Mark Higgins (British Rally Champion 1997, 2005 and 2006):
"The British championship has historically been a fantastic stepping stone for aspiring drivers aiming for the WRC, especially as it allows crews to recce and make their own pace notes on fantastic events and stages. I'm very glad to see the championship back again and hope the new format can put it back on the map as one of the best the world."
Daniel McKenna (British Rally Champion 2014):
"The BRC was an important stepping stone for me to cut my teeth and prepare for the World Championship. To follow in the footsteps of great names like Burns, Vatanen and McRae is a real achievement and honour.
"It's a great move for the BRC to adopt the R5 rules as drivers can enter the British series and then use the same car in the WRC and ERC, keeping costs down and allowing young talent to develop against the world's best. I would certainly love to defend my title next year in what will be an exciting year for the BRC. It won't be long before it is back to the success of its heyday."
Osian Pryce (British Rally Championship runner-up 2013 and 2014)
"The British Rally Championship was once the world's best domestic series and, from what I've seen in recent months, it looks like we could be back on the road to that sort of standing again. The calendar is a great mix of new rallies and classic events. And, obviously, starting in mid-Wales is the best news!
"British rallying needs a strong BRC and after a year away, I'm sure our premier series is going to come back stronger than ever in March."
IMS confirms 4WD for 2016 MSA British Rally Championship
Posted: January 12, 2015 8:34 PM
The promoters of the new-for-2016 MSA British Rally Championship have confirmed that when the series returns to action next year it will feature 4-wheel drive machinery in its leading classes, supported by a strong 2-wheel drive class structure for career-minded drivers.
The announcement made by International Motor Sports (IMS) at the Autosport show at the NEC in Birmingham today, confirmed that from 2016 the BRC will welcome all homologated rally cars, up to and including the R5 class. In addition, an extension of five years can be granted after the expiry of a car’s homologation, further increasing the pool of eligible vehicles to contest what will be the UK’s premier stage rally championship.
Sharing top billing alongside the championship-leading R5s, the 2016 BRC will feature a strong and competitive class structure in the 2-wheel drive categories, in recognition of the championship’s importance as a development environment for young rally drivers – something achieved with great success by the BRC in recent years. This will provide the essential formative training required by those career-minded drivers before they head for international competition and IMS will work closely with sponsors, teams and manufacturers to create meaningful incentives that will retain aspirational drivers in these classes.
Commenting on the announcement, IMS Managing Director Ben Taylor said:
“This is an exciting move and one which will help to establish the BRC as the pinnacle of UK rallying next year. We understand that competitors and teams need to make long-term plans, so we have made this early announcement about vehicle eligibility to give them as much notice as possible about the future.
“The R5 concept was created by the FIA to bring in much needed cost control without compromising on performance. It has been widely adopted throughout the sport, so now seems like the right time to welcome it properly to the UK market. The cars are exciting to drive, great to watch and should provide the perfect excuse for the best drivers to come and test themselves in a championship that is still revered around the world.”
On the importance of the 2-wheel drive classes, MSA Performance Director and 2001 World Rally Champion co-driver Robert Reid said:
“It is clear that the best apprenticeship for young drivers is to learn their trade in the competitive 2-wheel drive classes. It is essential that young drivers understand that they do not have to win the outright championship in order to progress, or try to prove what they can do in an R5 car too early in their careers. So the challenge is to ensure that the incentives for winning in R3 or R2 are great enough to keep them at this level – drivers need to see that it can be an important stepping stone that helps them graduate into ERC Junior or Junior WRC the following year.”
Taylor also announced that experienced event organiser Iain Campbell – Clerk of the Course of the Mull Rally and Deputy Clerk of the Course on Wales Rally GB – will be working with IMS on a freelance basis to assist with preparations for the new championship.
“I am delighted to have been asked,” said Campbell, who also played an important role in the creation of the IRC Rally of Scotland. “The start of the 2016 season may be more than a year away, but there is a huge amount of work to do in the next few months to put things in place. I look forward to making a contribution to the creation of the new championship and bringing a fresh perspective to the challenge.”
Speaking on the main Autosport Stage this morning, Taylor acknowledged the challenge ahead and the importance of getting it right:
“We know that the sport is looking on with interest to see what shape the new BRC is going to take and its success is important for the greater good of UK rallying. Our target is pretty simple: to have the best drivers in the best cars on the best events. We look forward to continuing to work with drivers, event organisers, teams, manufacturers and sponsors in the coming year to ensure that we deliver on that ambition in 2016.”
IMS and ABIRO agree way forward for 2016 MSA British Rally Championship
Posted: August 27, 2014 1:43 PM
Following a constructive meeting at Motor Sports House last week (19th August), the Association of British International Rally Organisers (ABIRO) and International Motor Sports (IMS) have agreed to work together to formulate plans for the relaunch of the MSA British Rally Championship in 2016.
A BRC working group will be created as soon as possible to consider the key issues to be resolved around the revised championship, including vehicles, class structure and the status of events. It is anticipated that further announcements will be made in due course and the group has set a target to resolve all major points before the end of the year to give competitors the earliest possible indications of the future direction of Britain’s premier rally championship.
Ben Taylor, IMS Managing Director, said:
“What should have been an exciting and forward-thinking announcement earlier this summer was affected by a lack of prior communication that left the organisers of current BRC events feeling undermined and unvalued. We have apologised unreservedly for that and last week’s meeting drew a line under those issues.
“It was a very positive discussion about the future of the championship and what is clear is that we all share a desire to see the BRC as the pinnacle of the British rallying scene. We have undertaken to work together in the coming months to achieve as soon as possible a clear idea of what the 2016 championship will look like. With the knowledge and experience around that table, backed by the commitment of IMS and the MSA to make it successful, we can all be excited about the prospects for the BRC.”
Rick Smith, Event Director, Rallye Dorset, said:
“For all parties associated with the BRC, the last few weeks have been challenging; organisers, competitors, teams, sponsors, officials and spectators have all been concerned in different ways for the future of what is - and must be - the best championship in the UK. Our discussions with MSA and IMS have now given us confidence that the voices of those who can contribute most to the exciting plans for the future will be heard in the correct forum."
MSA and IMS take British Rally Championship in-house from 2016
Posted: June 25, 2014 11:23 AM
The Motor Sports Association (MSA) is delighted to announce that the British Rally Championship (BRC) will be run by International Motor Sports (IMS), the governing body’s commercial arm, from 2016.
The MSA put the organisation and promotion of the BRC out to tender in March and received only two submissions. After careful consideration of the proposals and other research, the MSA concluded that the best solution for the championship was to take greater control and begin a new era for the BRC.
In order to enable IMS to take stock and lay the best possible foundations for the re-launched championship, the BRC will take a one-year break in 2015. During this time IMS will undertake further consultation before deciding which types of events, cars and drivers should comprise Britain’s premier rally championship in the coming years.
The move draws to a close UK Rally’s successful stewardship of the championship over the past 10 years, led by Mark Taylor.
Rob Jones, MSA Chief Executive, said:
“We considered both of the tenders very carefully and took soundings from around the sport, but ultimately we concluded that the best way forward was to bring it in-house and start again. The BRC is one of the UK’s premier championships and to rest it for a year was not a decision that we took lightly. It is certainly a big move, but we gather a lot of feedback from around the country and one thing that our members tell us is that they really want us to govern and lead the sport.
“I would like to pay tribute to Mark Taylor and everyone at UK Rally that has worked so hard on the BRC for the past decade. Mark has often borne the brunt of some of the problems with the sport and has taken the championship through very difficult economic times, but no one has put more time and effort into the BRC than Mark. If it wasn't for him, it is highly questionable whether there would even be a British Championship at all right now.”
Ben Taylor, IMS Managing Director, said:
“This is a really exciting opportunity, both for the sport and for the MSA, and we are delighted to be entrusted with making a success of the country’s flagship rally championship. Last year, in preparation for the tender process, we talked to a whole range of people in and around the current championship to understand the views of the sport. It was striking just how many suggested that the MSA should take the BRC back in-house and rebuild it from the ground up.
“We have looked very carefully at whether we could do it in time for 2015 but we concluded that that would inevitably involve rolling over much of what is already in place. Taking a year off will enable us to have a clean sheet of paper to work with. That provides the perfect opportunity to take stock, to canvass opinion more widely, to confirm what we believe the BRC should be and to put the plans in place that mean we are ready to go with a brand new championship in 2016.”
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