FIRST RIGHT-HAND-DRIVE HYUNDAI TO BREAK COVER

Carmichael plans to give i20 r5 a debut on grizedale stages as mini is rebuilt

The first Hyundai i20 R5 converted to right-hand drive will break cover on this weekend’s Grizedale Stages.

The car is owned by Philip Case Rallysport – the same business that is carrying out the conversion.

PCRS says it will be the first i20 in both the UK and Ireland to be converted – a practice common in Ireland although it voids the homologation of the car – and it is in response to growing customer demand.

Ballymoney’s Alan Carmichael is set to steer the car on the loose surface meeting alongside Ivor Lamont.

Carmichael’s usual Mini John Cooper Works WRC is currently out of action as it is undergoes a complete rebuild at Prodrive – a process that will not be completed in time for December 8.

“That left me with two options: a left-hand-drive R5 or a two-litre Subaru Impreza World Rally Car – but neither really appealed to me,” said Carmichael. “It would have meant me going there half-hearted, so when the option of doing it in a right-hand-drive i20 R5 came up I immediately went for it.

“We will test the week of the event to get a feel for the car, and to see how it behaves on gravel. I’m sure it is going to be a learning process for everyone, but PCRS is a professional team. They know the car well.

“I’m excited to be a part of the project. It’s great to get the chance to drive the first right-hand-drive i20. I went to the Grizedale Stages last year not really knowing what to expect and I was pleased with my pace and where I came. Fifth overall was the result and I’d like to think we could do that again.”

Carmichael will start the event as the 10th car on the road. Irish Tarmac and Forest Rally champion Josh Moffett has put in a late entry and is set to drive a Ford Fiesta R5 as car number one.

Also set to fight for victory is 2017 BTRDA Gold Star champion Stephen Petch and Peter Taylor in a pair of Fiesta RS WRCS, 2017 Wales Rally GB National winner Tom Preston and 2016 Scottish Rally champion Jock Armstrong.

This Saturday’s event features 40 road miles in the Grizedale forest and just 42 road miles, making it a staple on the rally calendar as the last major gravel event of the year.