Britain's Barry Clark will take part in the inaugural WRC event in Jordan this weekend after being handed a drive at the eleventh hour.
Clark, who is scheduled to compete in three WRC rounds later this year after winning the Fiesta Sporting Trophy International series in 2007, was already set to travel to Jordan to work as a technician on the #9 Munchi's Ford WRT car of
Federico Villagra.
However, when Luis-Perez Companc had to withdraw at short notice due to business commitments - related to the ongoing situation within the farming industry in his native Argentina, the Scot got the nod and will now drive the #10 Munchi's entry.
The last-minute decision meant Barry's manager, Gavin Miller, had to make a 300-mile overnight dash from Strathaven to Perth then Carlisle to get Clark's
FIA International Rally Licence to him before he departed for the Middle East.
Although he will be under strict instructions to bring the Ford Focus RS home in one piece rather than push for points, the event will provide Clark with ideal experience ahead of his outings in the same car later in the season, beginning in Turkey in June.
"I was about to get an early night before my flight to Jordan when I got a phone call at ten o'clock on Tuesday night from Ford World Rally boss Malcolm Wilson. He told me to pack my helmet and race suit because I might be taking part in the rally. It was a complete surprise, but it is the sort of chance every young driver dreams about," said Clark.
"I've been told I can't go at full pace and have to make sure the car doesn't get damaged, but the whole event will be a great experience. I must thank Malcolm Wilson and M-Sport for giving me the opportunity to drive what is the best car out there.
"It's good to know they have confidence in my ability to do a professional job on the rally at short notice. Now I have to concentrate on playing my part and helping the team through the weekend."
Clark, who competed on the Pirelli International Rally last weekend and who missed the recce - he only arrived in Amman at 03.00 hours local time this morning, will get his first chance to drive the Focus RS WRC07 in the shakedown today [Thursday].
