Pryce is right as he storms to rally glory

WELSH driver Osian Pryce ensured his quest for a maiden Motorsport UK British Rally Championship title remains on track by taking maximum points at the Get Connected Rali Ceredigion.

Pryce and co-driver Noel O’Sullivan returned a scintillating drive in their Volkswagen Polo GTi across each one of the event’s 12 daunting stages in the Welsh hills to seal their third victory of the season.

Newcastle Emlyn driver James Williams gave Hyundai its first UK podium in second place as Ruairi Bell rounded out the top three.

The Ceredigion lanes attracted thousands of fans, with a truly international feel to the event adding a buzz to proceedings over the two days.

Pryce was second behind Keith Cronin after the opening stages. However, the following stages under the cover of darkness proved pivotal.

The final test of the leg, the aptly named Devil’s Bridge, saw Cronin uncharacteristically leave the road less than a mile into the stage as he suffered a sizeable roll.

Williams led overnight but just 2.6 seconds separated the podium places. When Sunday came, so did the rain and Pryce played a blinder.

Opting for slicks while those around him bolted on the wets, he capitalised on the quickly drying roads throughout the 17mile Llanfihangel test, moving into the BRC lead by almost 30 seconds.

That mammoth stage also saw Jason Pritchard roll out of the event. But there were no such issues for the man in front.

Pryce continued to punch in the times with aplomb, leading from the opening stage on Sunday morning to the last and securing an important win for his BRC title chase.

“I’m over the moon with that,” said Pryce.

“There is a number of people that could have taken the win this weekend, but I’m really impressed with how everything has gone. You only have to look at the calibre of the guys who haven’t made it to the end, it’s no mean feat to finish this rally.

“It’s been a pretty special weekend.”

Williams stuck firm in second place on Sunday morning and went on to equal the best BRC result of his career.

The fight for the final podium spot was less clear-cut, with Bell tussling with Garry Pearson. A puncture for Pearson gave Bell all the incentive he needed, taking third on the eighth test and staying there till the last.