Debut ERC podium sets Devine up for 2020

Callum Devine believes the European Rally Championship is the next “logical step” in his career after taking a sensational podium on his category debut last weekend.

The 25-year-old competed on the seasonending Rally Hungary where he finished third despite collecting two punctures on Saturday and dropping down to 11th at one point.

Devine’s trip to the eastern European country was made possible with support from Motorsport Ireland’s Rally Academy as well as Hyundai Motorsport’s Customer Racing set-up.

Devine and co-driver Brian Hoy tested the i20 R5 extensively in the days leading up to the final round.

Having familiarised himself with the Korean car the 2017 Junior British Rally champion set a string of competitive stage times and is keen to build on this as preparations for next season continue behind the scenes.

“I think we are in a good place [for 2020],” he told Motorsport News. “Being here next year is definitely the plan. Some things have to fall into place for us but this is our main priority now.

“The World Rally Championship costs too much to do which means this is the logical step.

“The whole partnership with Motorsport Ireland is looking very good. There is still plenty of work to do but it is nice to get the ball rolling. This is a competition that works for teams and sponsors.

“Any experience we gain from this event will help as next year’s calendar is the same as 2019.”