Rally stars head for Emerald Isle

Motorsport history will be made this week when Ireland hosts the penultimate round of this year’s World Rally Championship.

The event features timed sections north and south of the border, and kicks off on Thursday evening with a Super Special stage in the grounds of Belfast’s Stormont Castle. The high-speed action then continues on the bumpy, narrow lanes around Sligo.

“The challenging tarmac stages pass through some of the most scenic landscape in Ireland,” said John O’Donoghue, Mini-ster for Arts, Sport and Tourism. “Given the array of international talent taking part, I’m confident the event will be a sporting triumph. Rally Ireland’s cross-border nature was key in the bid to secure this round. We believe this is the world’s best location for WRC – and hope spectators will agree.”

Adding to the attraction, Marcus Gronholm and Sebastien Loeb are locked in a duel for this year’s WRC crown. Finn Gronholm holds a four-point advantage, but faces a stiff test in uncharted territory.

“I’ve been told the roads will be fast, unforgiving and hard to read, so we need to ensure the pace notes are 100 per cent accurate,” said Gron-holm, who retires at the end of the season. “Things change fast in this sport, but to win the title would be a fantastic way to end my career.”

Scot McRae fills brother’s shoes
ALISTER McRae will take part in December’s Race of Champions at London’s Wembley Stadium in place of his late brother Colin. He teams up with F1 star David Coulthard to represent Scotland in the event that pitches drivers head-to-head on a special track.

“When Colin competed, he always put on a good show. Hopefully I’ll do him proud,” said McRae. “I know he wouldn’t want me sitting about dwelling on things. He had a reputation for going well at the Race of Champions, so it’s an honour to be there.”