Atlas TEG Sport's Wyn Humphreys and his Manx co-driver Rob Fagg suffered a frustrating weekend on Rally Isle of Man, last weekend, the third round in the 2008 Tesco 99 Octane MSA British Rally Championship.

Humphreys and Fagg went into the three-day event, renowned as one of the toughest events in the BRC, in fifth place in the standings and their Carnforth-based team was also looking to extend their lead in the teams' championship

Humphreys had finished third of the British contenders on the event last year and so, despite not having a pre-event test or a chance to tackle the shakedown stage on the Wednesday, hopes were high for Fagg's home event.

The duo was also boosted by the arrival of two new sponsors - in the form of HellermannTyton Data and Wadsworth Electronics Ltd.

When the rally started from the famous TT Grandstand at tea-time on Thursday the crew were ninth quickest over the opening test along Marine Drive with its fearsome roadside drops into the Irish Sea.

From there they headed to two runs of the unique town centre run through the streets of Castletown, the ancient capital of the island. With rain falling the pair dropped to 14th overall.

Worse was to come on the longest stage of the event, 13-miles of Cringle, when they were caught on the wrong tyres in treacherous conditions. The Subaru Impreza N12 slithered off the stage at one third distance and they had no choice but to drive cautiously, dropping time and places to 24th overnight.

Friday was no less tricky, showers falling throughout making for searching conditions and a huge test of driving ability.

Despite encountering thick mist as well as rain on the opening loop of the 12 stage day, Humphreys and Fagg were up to 16th position by first service, helping to re-build their confidence.

They caught a car on the next stage as they were going so well on some rare dry roads, slashing into the lead of the crews immediately ahead as they targeted more places. They moved up again on Stage 10, Tholt-y-Will, and after service moved into 12th place after overhauling local driver Paul Curphey in a Mitsubishi Evo 9.