From the pedal to the pen…

Ihave to say this is a bit of a first for me. I’ve never been an editor before. Trust me, the pay’s not as good as you might think!

I’ve been reading Motorsport News for as long as I’ve been competing, so it’s nice to have the chance to have some input into this Network Q guide. Especially as I’m competing in what’s a fairly special car for me this week.

Forty years (can it really be that long?) after I drove a Vauxhall Magnum for the first time on the RAC Rally, I’m doing the same again – thanks to the help of Network Q, Pirelli and, of course, MIX Motorsport, which has built the car and will run it.

I’ve been fortunate enough to compete all around the world in the last four decades and I can tell you, there’s nothing quite like competing at home. Naturally, I’d quite like it if the rally ventured to the right side of Hadrian’s Wall and went into Scotland, but I’m happy to admit the Welsh stages are some of the finest you will find anywhere in the World Rally Championship.

And I’m very happy to be back in Chester again. We have so many fantastic memories of that city, it’ll certainly bring a few of those back when we line up there on Friday night.

If you’re coming out on the event, please hang around for a wee while – we’re doing WRGB National – and give us a wave. The spectators have really come back to this event in the last few years and that helps to create a very special atmosphere.

Ben Taylor, Andrew Kellitt and the whole team have worked really hard to get Rally GB back to the kind of event it was and I’m proud to be taking part in it again this year.

I hope to see you on the stages – but just make sure it’s from a safe distance, we all need to listen to the marshals. Have a safe and enjoyable Dayinsure Wales Rally GB.

Oh, and enjoy the next few pages. It’s all my own work…