DONEGAL CHALLENGE NEXT FOR MATT

TRIPLE British Rally champion Matt Edwards will contest the Donegal International Rally (17-19 June) for the first time in a Pirelli-shod Citroën C3 R5.

It will be the Colwyn Baybased driver’s first rally in a state-of-the-art four-wheel drive car since he won the 2021 British title on last year’s Ulster Rally in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. Matt has never driven a Citroën

C3 R5 before and this exMads Østberg example is on loan from Darren Gass.

Matt will be co-driven by David Moynihan. Whilst they have never competed together before, they have developed a good working relationship whilst working with Pirelli in this year’s Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. David has also been instrumental in putting the deal to do Donegal together.

“I’ve never been to the Donegal Rally before, but having worked with Pirelli in this year’s Irish Tarmac Rally Championship I know what an important event it is and how highly regarded it is held in Irish motorsport,” says Matt. “There are some legendary stages like Atlantic Drive, Knockalla and Fanad Head. Donegal is three days and almost 200 stage miles long. I’ve not done a rally of that length since Wales Rally GB in 2019, so it will be a good test of speed and endurance. It’s also my first event in an R5 car since last year’s Ulster Rally, it will be interesting to see how quickly I can get up to speed in a modern car.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my sponsors, namely Pirelli, Waste Water Solutions, ND Civils, Carbon Positive Motorsport and a couple of silent backers who are helping behind the scenes. It’s been hard to find the budget to contest Donegal and we are still trying to find a few partners to help cover some peripheral costs – if anyone can help it would be very much appreciated.

“The aim for Donegal is to enjoy three days of great rallying, gain experience in a new car and do the very best we can.”*