Simpson confirms BRC entry in Fabia

Neil Simpson has confirmed his full-time return to the British Rally Championship, with his factory-specification Skoda Fabia R5.

Simpson, 43, hasn’t competed on gravel in 15 years. He will be joined by young co-driver Elliott Edmondson.

Simpson made his name as a factory Ford and Volkswagen driver in the BRC in the 1990s. Since then he has spent time building the family business and is now ready for his workssupported return to British rallying’s top flight.

He is, however, pragmatic about what to expect when he takes to the stages and goes up against some of British rallying’s fastest and most exciting prospects.

Simpson said: “The car is awesome and we’re really happy with the support we’ve had from the [Skoda] factory in the Czech Republic. We’ve done an event in it already and we’ll do some more testing before the opening [BRC] round in Wales, but it’s sensational; the engine’s more tractable than the S2000 and the chassis is amazing.”

Simpson chose the BRC over a selected programme of European Rally Championship rounds.

The final round, Rally Isle of Man, holds particular interest for Simpson. He finished second there the last two times he competed.

“There’s some unfinished business over there,” said Simpson. “The Manx is a great, great event with some incredible stages. And, with double points, it’s going to be an exciting way to end the season.”