In the class R2, the category for front wheel drive cars up to 2 litres, looks set to be a hard fought category. Suzuki have entered two Group N Swifts for reigning S1600 champion James Wozencroft and for former ladies champion Lorna Smith, whilst a horde of drivers have signed up for the new TMS Citroen C2R2 cup. So far eight drivers have registered for this one make series which will fight for the overall R2 honours with the Suzuki’s.
Another driver worth watching in the R2 category is young Vesa Mikkola, son of former World Rally champion Hannu Mikkola: “My father has good memories from his time spent competing in the UK and felt that competing on British soil would assist me a great deal.”
Vesa will be competing at the wheel of a Honda Civic and should be in the thick of the action from the start.
Catering for the youth wanting to make a name for themselves in rallying is the
Silverstone Tyres Stars 1400 championship. With the likes of Mark Gamble and Mike Harris Junior in Citroen C2s’, up against Gethin Jones, Luke Pinder, Matt Cotton and others this category will hopefully produce some sterling drives from some of the UKs’ brightest young competitors.
Furthermore with every category benefiting from extensive TV coverage courtesy of Sky TV the 2007 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship looks set to provide not only great value for money for competitors and sponsors alike but should also see close battles fought throughout the field.
The opening round, the Pirelli International Rally, starts from Carlisle on Friday 20 April with 4 stages through the infamous ‘killer’ Kielder forest complex on Friday night before action resumes on Saturday for a full day of action.
