Chris Ingram’s journey through the Probite British Rally Championship (BRC) in 2024 has been nothing short of transformative.
Just a few weeks after tackling the final round of the season which saw a nail-biting four-way shootout for the title in which Ingram and co-driver Alex Kihurani triumphed, they prepare to take on the gruelling WRC Rally Japan, Ingram’s first WRC round since Rallye Monte Carlo back in January.
Ingram’s return to the BRC was a carefully chosen path; after years of competing on the international stage and with the 2019 FIA European Rally Championship title under his belt, he wanted to return to his roots and refine his craft on Britain’s challenging and dynamic stages. The decision has proven invaluable as he gears up for one of the WRC’s most unique and unpredictable rounds in Japan.
Throughout the BRC season, Ingram faced stiff competition from the likes of WRC2 ace William Creighton, four-time BRC champ Keith Cronin and 2022 victor Osian Pryce. The season started perfectly with a home win at the Legend Fires North West Stages, despite being in the older Volkswagen Polo GTi R5.
Retaining the VW for the gravel of the Severn Valley Stages left him floundering in the Welsh forests and a Jim Clark Rally retirement meant it would be a tough second half of the season.
But the arrival of the second Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 in the Castrol MEM Rally Team camp reignited the fire in Ingram’s belly – instantly winning the Grampian Forest Rally. Another top score came at Ceredigion, only to crash heavily on the final day and hand Creighton the advantage.
The Cambrian offered the perfect showdown, and Ingram’s ever-improving pace was unmatchable, winning the rally, and the crown some 12 years after leaving the series to pursue his European career.
“We came here [to the BRC] to enjoy it and make the most of this opportunity,” says Ingram.
“We have really enjoyed being part of the championship. We have put in some top performances this year and our work in the BRC has led us to some bigger things, a lot of doors have opened so we are really pleased with how it’s gone and it’s been great to be a part of it. A lot of people have been saying it [this season] has been the best the BRC has been for 25 years, and I have to agree, it’s a privilege to be a part of it”.
Moreover, the BRC provided Ingram with the opportunity to reconnect with fans and showcase the relentless determination that defines his approach to rallying. Each victory and podium finish added to his momentum, fueling his desire to prove himself on a global stage. With the BRC season under his belt, Ingram is better prepared than ever for the challenges of WRC Rally Japan.
“To be given the opportunity to represent Castrol and its iconic colours and compete in Rally Japan in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 is absolutely incredible,” he says.
“Being trusted with this opportunity shows the progress the whole Castrol MEM Rally Team, Alex [Kihurani] and I have made in less than a year.
“We will remain fully focused on delivering an exceptional performance on what will be our first WRC2 entry with the Castrol Toyota and my first long-haul FIA World Rally Championship start.”
Good luck guys!
