Round 3 of the ERC was all about the Irishmen, on their home rally the Circuit of Ireland. Much like the issue of Irish Home Rule at the start of the 20th century, there were Conservatives and Liberals although both Craig Breen (who you would consider conservative given he has a championship to push for) and Robert Barrable (pictured above) were driving as if they were Liberals - free! The battle between the Peugeot and Ford pilots raged on throughout the event, with the 208 man lying 1.1 seconds ahead overnight from the impressive Barrable. The fight continued into Saturday where Barrable was edging Breen by equally small margins like on the previous day, until it all went wrong on the third last stage for Robert, as he fell off the road. Breen should have been home and dry but a spin which damaged the front of his car on the penultimate stage left Kajetan Kajetanowicz just 5 seconds behind. However, Craig held on to take his 3rd career ERC victory and 2nd of the season which elevates him to the top of the championship. It was an emotional victory for Breen, who had dreamed about winning The Circuit as a child. It was an important win as he has won events in the series now on gravel, ice and snow and tarmac.
Kajetanowicz spoiled the Irish party as the two Moffett brothers Josh and Sam finished 3rd and 4th respectively in their Fiesta RRCs. Breen's team mate Charles Martin claimed 5th. Robert Consani was running as high as 3rd in his DS3 R5 until he hit gearbox trouble, and Scot Euan Thorburn put in a decent performance in his Fiesta S2000 on his ERC debut. He sadly had to retire on the final day. The ERC next heads to the Azores in June. The battle between Breen and Kajetanowicz is set to rage on, but right now Craig has the upper hand. For now he will just enjoy his special moment though.
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ERCArticles covering the European Rally Championship Archives
April 2017
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