Reigning BRC champion, Jonny Milner triumphed on the Gibbs Aquada Manx International Rally yesterday [Saturday], round five of the 2004 Kwik Fit Pirelli British Rally Championship.

Milner beat Kenny McKinstry, who was also in a Subaru Impreza WRC, by 1 minute 37 seconds, while Derek McGarrity was third, which meant the top three was the same as in 2003.

Speaking at the finish, Milner commented: "It was a fantastic performance by the whole team, and I must give a lot of credit to Prodrive who helped us refine the car for these unforgiving lanes. The car and the tyres were perfect throughout and everyone in the team worked extremely hard for this result."

Eugene Donnelly meanwhile was fourth, with Austin McHale fifth, and Mark Higgins sixth in the Skoda Octavia.

Guy Wilks won the Super 1600 category, the Suzuki driver finishing tenth overall after the events 23 stages, which began on Thursday evening.

"I'm elated to have won the Manx Rally and be leading the Super 1600 Championship after such a demanding three days," said Wilks. "It has proved most demanding for team, car, Phil [Pugh], and myself but we've come through with flying colours."

Rob Watson took the Production category honours, 56 seconds up on Dessie Keenan, while Jennie-Lee Hermansson was the leading woman, 22nd overall, one place ahead of Fiat Stilo Cup winner, Shaun Woffinden.

In total 39 cars were classified at the finish.

The next event is the Answercall Direct Ulster Rally, which runs from September 3-4.