Jennings’ season ended after strikes force rally cancellation

Garry Jennings’ season has been ended abruptly following the surprise cancellation of this week’s Rallye la Rochelle.

Jennings was among one of six World Rally Car starters for the Tarmac event, which was due to take place near the Bay of Biscay on Friday and Saturday.

However, protests in the area against hikes in taxes and fuel have forced organisers to cancel the event on safety grounds.

Road blocks in Poitiers – a large town close to La Rochelle – are also planned, with only emergency services allowed through these.

“I do feel for the organisers because they have put in a trememdous amount of effort to secure a full entry,” said Subaru Impreza S12B WRC driver Jennings, from Kesh.

“It’s one of those things and we don’t have much control over it.”

Jennings’ last visit to France, his first of the season abroad, ended with him scoring a convincing win on Rallye du Bethunois in September.

The 2013 Irish Tarmac Rally champion followed this up three weeks later with a first-place finish in Belgium on Rallye Charlemagne.

“I was really looking forward to getting back out in the Impreza again,” he said.

“We enjoyed two strong results leading up to La Rochelle; the speed is there and the car has been very good to us.”

Jennings had confirmed he wouldn’t compete again this season in his title-winning Impreza, which is due to undergo an engine rebuild.