Matt Edwards to defend BRC title

Reigning British Rally champion Matt Edwards will remain in the series to defend his title in 2019, again driving an M-sport Swift Rally Team Ford Fiesta R5.

Edwards completed a 15-year rally journey to take the title in 2018, winning all four events and only dropping points on Wales Rally GB, which was a doublepoints scoring round.

He also won the BTRDA Gold Star championship in 2018, but won’t defend that crown.

“I’m not worried [about the title defence] because I have a title under my belt and have that experience of how to win one and what I have to do,” said Edwards.

“I will always do my own thing and focus on my own results, but I am really hungry and motivated to do the double and if anybody wants it, they will have to wrestle it from me.”

Peter Smith has backed Edwards through the majority of his career through his Swift Caravans concern. He provides Edwards with the Fiesta R5 he would otherwise not be able to afford. Smith confirmed to MN last year that European and World Championship outings were being discussed for Edwards. As MN went to press, only Edwards’ BRC campaign had been confirmed.

Edwards will get a new co-driver this year, as Patrick Walsh replaces the otherwise-engaged Darren Garrod from last year.

The BRC has seven R5s signed for the Cambrian Rally.