Morrow enters Mid Wales with hopes of more BRC outings in 2016

Former Mitsubishi UK Team driver Phillip Morrow hopes that a strong showing on the Mid Wales Stages Rally will open the door to a deal that would allow him to do the full British Rally Championship this season.

Morrow is entered for the opening round of the relaunched series and has confirmed his place among the starters for April’s Circuit of Ireland Rally driving his 10-year-old, titlewinning Mitsubishi Lancer E9.

Beyond that, the Lisburn man is non-committal, although he admits an offer to pilot an R5-spec car in the championship would make the decision much easier. “I’m a competitive person, perhaps one of the most competitive you will ever meet and if we can beat a few R5s on the Mid Wales Rally it might make people sit up and take note,” he said. “If we get talking to the right people maybe we could do a deal on one or chat to someone who has an R5 but can’t drive it because they have other commitments with work.

“That’s what I’m aiming for but I go to the opening round under no pressure because I’m seen by many as an underdog. I know a few of the stages and I’m familiar with my car so hopefully we can go and do well.”

Morrow clinched the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge in 2007, which led to a works drive with the Japanese manufacturer. However, he was dropped and replaced by Gwyndaf Evans following accidents in Scotland and the Isle of Man.

He warmed up for the Mid Wales Stages by taking part in January’s Icebreaker Rally but crashed out while leading, the cause being a faulty selector fork that caused the car to jump out of gear.