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It was a visibly elated David Bogie and Kevin Rae that crossed the finish ramp in Bournemouth to claim victory in the first round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship, Rallye Sunseeker International. This follows his victory on the Scottish Championship last weekend.

They came home 21.8 seconds ahead of Tom Cave and Craig Parry in the JRM Mitsubishi after a day long battle between the pair all day. David said at the finish "It’s been a really good day here, and although we had a few scares along the way it was a great battle with Tom.

Welshman Tom Cave along with Parry was delighted to finish as runner up to Bogie and felt that a steady approach had paid off "Its a tough rally, and you need to be on the pace from the start, but any kind of mistake would leave you struggling to catch up here, so Yeah we are happy with our day today".

Another Welshman who took a steady approach to claim 3rd o/a was Elfyn Evans, the Pirelli Star Driver increasing his pace as he gained confidence and experience in the car during the day and felt that he had made progress throughout the day in the forests of Bournemouth and Poole. He had been locked himself in a battle with Adam Gould, also in a Subaru from the very first stage of the morning.

Gould too was content to come home 4th, and felt that it bodes well for the rest of the year in the Dulux Trade Championship.

Daniel Barry and Rory Kennedy came home 5th o/a in the JRM Mitsubishi, and felt that lack of seat time perhaps hindered his event. He said "It was a new car for us, and we spent the first loop making small changes in the car, but this event is so intense that to give any time away at all, leaves you with a lot to do to make up".

Following Barry home, were the Skoda S2000 crews of Jonny Greer and Dai Roberts and Robert Barrable and Damien Connolly respectively. The cars caused huge interest on the event and both drivers admitted to taking it easy and bringing the car home. Jonny said "It’s a new car for us, and although we have been to Sunseeker before, this time it was about learning the car and not doing anything silly, so Yee-ha! We are happy with a good solid finish"

Equally Robert Barrable and Damien Connolly were more than happy with their result, Damien saying at the finish "There is so much more to come from the car, there really is. We only picked the car up on Wednesday, so we have had no seat time what so ever. Very happy with today"

Dulux Trade MSA British Formula 2 Rally Championship

Siim Plangi took a maiden victory in the Dulux Trade MSA British Formula 2 Rally Championship here in Bournemouth, after a day long battle with team mate Mikko Pajunen in the Renault Twingo R2. It would have been a much closer finish between them had Pajunen not picked up a 30sec penalty earlier in the day. The crowds of spectators however were treated to some spectacular driving between the pair all day and it was one of the talking points of the rally. It was a great battle and certainly bodes well for the rest of the year.

For his exploits though on Rallye Sunseeker International, Plangi was nominated as Pirelli Star driver.

Callum Black joined them on the podium, having struggled a bit earlier in the days with conditions and tyre choice. Callum though was happy to take 3rd and said "It turned out ok in the end, because as the day progressed and we got more time in the car, our choices were better, so it really does look good for the rest of the year, and the car is home in one piece"

Craig Breen and Gareth Roberts had problems during the day, which meant that despite a promising start and some fastest stage times, they could not make up the several minutes lost early in the morning.

Nick Cristofaro and Daniel O Brien also overcame minor issues during the day to finish the event. Both the Citroens of Desi Henry and Mark Donnelly retired during the day.

Finally, the Organisers of Rallye Sunseeker International would like to say a BIG Thank You to all those involved in the event. From event Sponsors, Stewards, Marshalls, the Media, the Police, and Emergency Services, the local people in Bournemouth and Poole, Spectators, the local residents on the Stages and Rally route and everyone else involved in any way on this years event for your help, co-operation and support.

Souce: Rallye Sunseeker Media Office