"The best drivers... In the best cars... On the best events." It's a bold statement as the British Rally Championship returns for 2016 after a one year absence in 2015, but it does looks as if the series is going to be as good as it ever used to be! Back in July, the silence initially broke with the revelation of the provisional calendar, which included previous events such as the Pirelli International along with new and returning events, chiefly the Circuit of Ireland which is also part of the ERC. You can read more about the calendar here The most exciting news though has come courtesy of the return of 4WD machinery, which haven't been present in the championship since 2011. For the last three years the series was dominated by R3 machinery, which because they are less powerful and only front wheel drive were slower and in my opinion less exciting. The return of 4WD means there is now a vast array of vehicle classes available to compete in, with R5 cars likely to be the pacesetters in the forests and country lanes. Subsequently 'BRC 1' is likely to be where the media interest is but there's plenty more to be excited about! For one there's the return of an old, classic battle: Subaru vs Mitsubishi. And the 2WD cars from the last few years are still eligible. BRC Junior is also one to keep an eye on, as that is where the young stars of British rallying are born. One driver who has emerged from the junior ranks is Chris Ingram, who is now a Peugeot UK driver in the Junior ERC. "A successful BRC is one of the most important things for young British or Irish drivers to step up to ERC or WRC. "It's what we all need!" Chris exclaimed. A big benefit of the BRC is the crews have the ability to create their own pace notes, which as Chris says is vitally important. "I started making my own notes in my second year of rallying but they keep developing rally by rally. You simply can't go at your desired pace on notes someone else has made." As of yet, not many drivers have been confirmed for the 2016 British Rally Championship. But two of them are already making headlines. Max Vatanen (son of World & British Champion Ari) will contest the season in a Fiesta R5, as will 5 time Scottish Champion and 2011 British Champion David Bogie. "The British Rally Championship is the pinnacle of British Rallying," said David. "It means a huge amount to me to have won the title before and call myself British Rally Champion. To follow in the footsteps of the only 3 other Scotsmen to win the championship is a massive achievement and one I am very proud of. The plan for next year is to try and cement my name in the history books, with a second title!" Further details about the plans for 2016 were released in September, through the new Facebook and Twitter accounts and at the BRC Open Day at Greystoke Forest, Cumbria. The points system has been revealed and there's a big incentive for drivers to push hard for a win, as the rally winner receives 25 championship points, with 15-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 points being awarded for the next 10 finishers in each class. A full TV package has also been promised, although currently no broadcast partner has been announced. However, these are positive signs and there is more work going on behind the scenes on top of the hard work that has already been put in. Championship Manager Iain Campbell is at the forefront of this, and urges competitors to get involved. "If you're an ambitious under 26 year old, who is wanting to make something of rallying, you want to be there for Junior BRC. It's invaluable to run on events that are set at International standard." "Then you've got people with R5 cars, who are competing on gravel events that are 45 miles in distance and want to do longer stage miles. There's a big incentive there, and to become British Rally Champion!" "I am extremely encouraged with what we've got, there is a real, real buzz! We're speaking to 7 or 8 manufacturers who are wanting to take their cars out onto the stages, so it's exciting there's that interest there." "The thought of having all these cars on the start line for the first stage on March 6th is something that's going to be great to see! It's now about getting the head down and making sure we get there." Honestly, I think the plans for 2016 look fantastic!
What made the BRC great in years gone by was the close competition between different makes of car and drivers from different nationalities, with battles across two or more different vehicle classes. 2016 looks set to hit all three elements described above, and do it in the modern age with Twitter and Facebook making it easier for the fans to connect with the series. Personally, I can't wait for the Mid Wales Stages to get underway in March!
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BRITISH RALLYINGArticles covering rally in Britain, looking at the MSA BRC Archives
September 2017
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