Britain's Mark Higgins was left cursing a puncture that resulted in a major accident and his retirement from the Rally Ireland at the weekend while comfortably in the lead in the PWRC.

Higgins, who came into the event with an outside chance of taking the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship title, had led practically throughout and was 30 seconds up on his nearest rival, when disaster struck in the final stage on day 2.

Mark was almost through the second run through the 13.46 kilometre Tempo 2 stage, SS16, when a puncture caused him to slide off the road into a ditch with just one kilometre left.

"I can't believe it," Higgins stated. "The mud had been really bad in the afternoon – and it was raining really heavily.

"We had a punctured tyre on the car and were caught out by a really slippery right-hander. That's it, all finished – and it was looking so good. We had a good lead and we weren't taking risks. This rally has been like that, though – it's exceptionally difficult."

Higgins' co-driver, Scott Martin was also bitterly disappointed, especially as they had been going so well and had won five of the ten stages on the opening day.

"It has been a really disappointing end to a rally which began so well for us," added the MSA British Rally Elite member. "We had to win here and in GB to take the PWRC title but things were looking good up until about three kilometres from the end of stage 14.

"We got a puncture for about one kilometre and had some big moments until we slid off the road on a high speed corner and into a ditch.

"It is disappointing to know that we cannot claim the PWRC crown this year. My preparation for the event was impressive and I was really focused on performing well for these last two events."