Welsh co-driver takes step onto world stage.

Following the demise of the partnership of Colin McRae and Nicky Grist, another Welsh co-driver is set to take the biggest step of his career as he contests the Network Q Rally of Great Britain.

Swansea based co-driver, Carl Williamson will make his World Championship debut on the British qualifying event with talented young driver, Jari-Matti Latvala.

Latvala from Finland, is hotly tipped to be a future World Champion. At seventeen, the rapid driver has made a dramatic impression on the British rally scene with several good results.

The pair will contest the Rally GB to gain experience of the British event in preparation of their 2003 campaign, which full details are yet to be confirmed. The pair are also under the watchful eye of 1989 RAC Rally winner, Pentti Airikkala.

Williamson is keen to progress into the World series having contested many rallies throughout Britain with and impressive tally of approximately 30 rallies in 2002 alone.

"This is undoubtedly the biggest step of my rallying career so far," noted Williamson, "and sitting with Jari-Matti this year has been a very enjoyable experience already!"

The Finnish/ Welsh pairing will contest the Rally GB in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Group A prepared by Fairfield Motorsport of Bridgend and hope to finish inside the top twenty.

"The team is a good one and we have excellent support from Pentti on the event so confidence is quite high going into the rally," concluded Williamson.