Three-time British Champion Matt Edwards is set to return to Britain’s premier rallying series in the summer spectacular – Rali Ceredigion at the end of the August.
The Welshman will be partnered by Irishman David Moynihan in a C&M Motorsport supported Ford Fiesta Rally2 and the pair have registered not only for the BRC, but also plan to enter the FIA European Rally Championship category, which also runs on the Aberystwyth-based event.
Edwards has been out of the BRC game for over two seasons since his last championship title in 2021, but is excited at the prospect to return to the Probite British Rally Championship in a golden year for the series.
“It’s a pretty cool opportunity to get to register for the BRC and ERC and go hopefully up against some of the best drivers in the world in one event – I just couldn’t miss it up,” enthused Edwards. “I have never done the event before, but having looked on from a far – the organisers have done an incredible job and I just wanted to be a part of it, do a new event and just enjoy myself with no pressure.”
Edwards has been keeping himself match-fit in 2024, as the Llandudno-based driver is currently locked in a three-way title fight for the Irish Tarmac Championship – a series the Fiesta driver is eager to capture, to add to his impressive trophy collection.
“The ITRC, like the BRC has incredible drivers competing in the series – all held in high regard. I have the Ulster this weekend which will be perfect for me to hopefully get plenty of seat time ahead of Rali Ceredigion – so I hope to be quite fresh and up to speed, giving me the best chance of doing well.”
Coming in as a ‘wild card’ for the BRC, the Circuit of Ireland winner remains realistic of his chances and has set his own targets before his British return.
“My focus is the Irish Tarmac Championship this year – so I haven’t really been following the BRC as much as I would have liked, but it looks to be back to plenty of competition and quality drivers again. I am under no illusion that it will be hard to come back, and I am not eyeing the win. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want a good result however, but, I just want to come and enjoy the rally which is a change for me. No pressure on the event for wins, points or titles – I can just go out there and do my thing and just enjoy my weekend and take on some quality stages against some quality opposition.”
And of the event itself… Matt is a proud Welshman and is delighted his country is hosting an FIA event once again.
“It’s fantastic. Losing Rally GB was a huge blow for the country, but to have this event hosting the European Championship is a real positive step. Full credit to the organisers, authorities and councils for having the dedication and passion for putting on the event and the extra workload that comes with it. The vision and energy has been clear to see, and in less than five years they have gone from nothing to hosting some of the best drivers in the world against a great backdrop of stages and scenery. It makes for a great weekend of motorsport.”
The next round of the Probite British Rally Championship is Rali Ceredigion on the 30th August to the 1st September.
