Scottish driver Alex Laffey returns to the British Rally Championship for a fourth season and makes up the second of a two-car M-Sport assault on Britain’s premier rallying series in 2019.
Last season was a year of breakthroughs for Laffey with the 29-year-old securing his first fastest time on gravel and first BRC podium at Wales Rally GB on his way to second in the standings.
“I am happy with how 2018 went,” enthused Laffey. “We showed another step forward in pace but most importantly I wanted to get through events with solid performances and bank the points. To come away with second behind Matt in the drivers standing was brilliant and a 1-2 for M-Sport. We couldn’t have done any better.”
In 2019, fellow countryman Stuart Loudon will join the Scotsman – a partnership Laffey hopes will augment his rallying education.
“Stuart is a very experienced co-driver and we get on really well. He has sat with me before so he knows my system and the way I like to work. His knowledge will be vital to help us progress forward again.
“I also cannot wait to work with M-Sport for a third year. The data and resources is immense. We get the feedback from the guys in WRC2 which we can then use in the BRC and the team were vital in the results Matt and I achieved last year. I hope we can reward them with more progress this season.”
Despite several seasons in the BRC, Laffey is still developing his gravel form but it’s the sealed surface that gives him his BRC kicks.
“I love my Tarmac and Ypres has been my favourite. The drivers love it, the atmosphere is mega and the stages are brilliant. The new challenges all look great, but West Cork is the one I cannot wait to get stuck into. The Irish roads are always fun and really testing.”
With Laffey signed up for another year with the Cumbrian firm and the Ford Fiesta R5 driver is eager to continue the momentum gathered in 2018.
“It has to be podiums this year. We got one on Rally GB which was a real tough event and we got some fastest stage times in the process. It was a great result for us as my gravel knowledge is limited.
“We will take it rally by rally into the new season and continue that upward trend as I’d like another top three in the standings come the Galloway Hills Rally.”
