There were no big dramas amongst the top drivers as they tackled the very short opening stage of this Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland. Indeed the Titanic test was under 2km long, more like a slalom. Some of the drivers commented on the dust. Others reported that they had caught another car in the stage. However, none of the top drivers seemed too unhappy, they were just glad to see the rally up and running.
Steve Perez dropped about 30s in the stage with a minor indiscretion but his Focus WRC seemed to be going well at the finish. Alastair Fisher made a cautious start and was in 11th place in the International. Robert Barrable was in 8th one place ahead of Sam Moffett. Sean Agnew made a good start and was 10th in his Citroen C2R2 and best 2wd in the International. Marty McCormack was in 24th.
Some changes to the published entry list include:- Car 14 Mark Donnelly is non-starting and his co-driver Dai Roberts is now with Jonny Greer at No.15. Bantry driver Jer O’Donovan has had problems getting his Impreza ready and he has withdrawn. His co-driver Sean Hayde has now volunteered to marshal over the weekend. Further non-starters in the International section include Desi Henry, Barry Greer and Kieran Daly.
In the National Rally Darragh O’Riordan (106) was unable to get his Impreza WRC engine refettled in time for this event. Ray Brammer who is running at 125 in his Impreza WRC now has Damien Fleming co driving and Kyle Orr, also in an Impreza WRC, has Damien Garvey in the hot seat. Arthur Kierans is now co-driving for Brian Durnien at No.159.
More news later: BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON www.rallynews.net Follow RallyNews on Twitter @Pacenotes
