TOP 10 BRC DRIVERS
1 Elfyn Evans
Bringing a sub-machine gun to a water pistol fight is what comes to mind here. Evans blew away the opposition, despite not competing full-time in the UK since 2011. His knowledge of Fiesta R5 and experience from the WRC told.
2 Fredrik Ahlin
Ahlin showed his pace on the Pirelli Carlisle Rally. Although Evans suffered a puncture, the Swede’s outright pace was on-par for the majority of that event. Extra points for adapting so quickly to asphalt, and matching Mark Higgins on the Manx in his third asphalt event in a four-wheel-drive car. With a few less errors from driver and co-driver, could have made Evans’ life more difficult.
3 Rob Duggan
Barely a foot put wrong all year, Duggan and co-driver Ger Conway were supreme. Proved pace against WRClevel competition in Gus Greensmith and proved his gravel pace despite inexperience. Untouchable in the Juniors.
4 Matt Edwards
Wrapped up BRC 2 category for Group N cars early and got the chance of his dreams, to drive an R5 on the last two rounds and next year. Didn’t do anything stupid on asphalt, despite massive inexperience on the surface, and fifth on the Manx was a just reward.
5 Tom Cave
For a first year in an R5, it was a good one for the Welshman. Was the best of the rest after Evans on a few rounds, and while asphalt pace was hit and miss, a first year in a new car with a new team and co-driver, this was an impressive one. Watch out in 2017.
6 Desi Henry
Shocked some people with his pace. A base setup change mid-way through the year brought two consecutive podiums. He’ll be a challenger next year, good on asphalt and gravel, and consistently quick.
7 Sindre Furuseth
A complete unknown entering the year, Furuseth sparkled in the Juniors. Not only did he challenge for wins on gravel, he was quick on asphalt despite his lack of experience on the surface. No doubt this driver is one to watch in the future. He’d be a welcome asset to the BRC next year.
8 David Bogie
Pace was as good as anyone at times, but a couple of mistakes and a learning year in a new car didn’t justify how quick Bogie is. Pace on Rally GB showed the Dumfries man’s step up, and he’ll be difficult to beat in the 2017 title race.
9 Jamie Anderson
Despite most of his experience being in the BTRDA, Anderson stepped up to writing his notes brilliantly in ’16 and the results don’t tell the full story of rapid pace. With a bit more consistency, he’ll be a top five challenger on any rally in ’17.
10 Josh Moffett
Struggled to get up to front-running speed on the loose but was the only asphalt winner aside from Evans with the honours on the Circuit of Ireland. Still wasn’t quite on Evans’ pace for that event (Evans retired). But given age and experience, a fantastic year for the Monaghan lad.