Williams happy despite just missing podium spot

WELSH star James Williams narrowly missed out on a podium result on Trackrod Rally Yorkshire – round six of the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship.

The championship made a switch back to gravel with the forests near Filey in North Yorkshire home to the penultimate round of the series.

The opening day saw Newcastle Emlyn driver Williams – with Dai Roberts reading the notes – in fourth overall, just a few seconds off the top three.

On the second day he was involved in a three-way fight for second place. Coming into the midday service halt he was just 5.2 seconds away from second spot and 3.3 seconds away from a podium.

Despite throwing everything at the final 24 miles of competitive stages – including setting a second fastest time on the final stage – he just missed out on a podium spot.

But a creditable fourth almost confirms a top-three position in the championship.

“We gave it our all on that one, we couldn’t give any more,” said Williams.

“It was always going to be a big ask to keep up with the likes of Osian Pryce and Keith Cronin here with all their experience.

“I felt good in the car, just a few little niggly things we need to try to sort. Despite that, this weekend is a step forward for us as we have really struggled on the gravel this year.

“We had hoped to sneak a podium, but to be involved in a close dice for second is really encouraging for us as a team.

“The search still goes on for our first gravel podium. We have one last chance on a rally I love so we prepare for that one next month.”

The next round of the British Rally Championship is the season finale on the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally in North Wales, which starts on October 29.*