by Geoff Mayes
In 2007 Mitsubishi 'works' driver Guy Wilks entered the final stage of the opening leg of the
Jim Clark International Rally with a commanding lead over his team-mate, Gwyndaf Evans.
But half way through the stage Wilks blotted his copybook with a silly driving error that saw him stick his Evo 9 into a hedge, forcing the eventual champion to SupeRally.
The big question this year is: Can Wilks rectify that one mistake by taking the win this weekend?
One thing is for certain and that is that it will not be a walk in the park for the former Junior World Rally Championship contender, especially following the announcement from triple British Rally champion Mark Higgins that he will be contesting the rest of the ‘08 championship on board an Atlas TEG Sport Rally Team-run Subaru Impreza.
Mark, who contested the season opener in an MG Super 2000 Sport, has recently signed a deal to see out the season with the same outfit he drove for in 2007.
Mark fills the seat recently vacated by Swede Patrik Flodin and despite no opportunity to test ahead of the rally is confident that the team will provide him with the tools to do the job this weekend.
"The first time I'll get a chance to sit in the car is at shakedown, but I know that TEG Sport will give me a reliable car this weekend," said Higgins. "The N11 might not be the newest car out there but we are confident we can still put in a good showing."
The battle for British honours however, is by no means a two-horse race. After scoring a podium finish in the ill-suited Toyota Super 2000 in 2007, former champion David Higgins will be a threat in his new Subaru Impreza N14.
Despite limited testing ahead of the Pirelli, the Manxman still took a debut podium and will be looking to give Subaru's new hatchback its first UK victory this weekend.
Another driver out competing in the new generation of Impreza is Revolution Wheels team leader Rob Swann.
Swann recently took possession of his N14 and will only have the opportunity for a very brief shakedown ahead of the rally, but should nevertheless be on the pace once he has settled into the car.
