Sykes will use his usual Citroen DS3 R3T which has been rebuilt over the winter and has had some turbo engine modifications.
“The car has been fully rebuilt after the quiet season last year," said Sykes. “We’ve also done some work on the engine which should give us more pace. We’re looking at competing on the new English multi-surface rally championship, with the added bonus of competing on one of the rally circuit events at Donington Park which I have not done before."
“Simon Taylor is back in the car with me this year. We last competed together in 2013 when we had an accident in Ireland. Since then Simon has taken a sabbatical to get married, start a new business and start a family. He's back though and raring to go."
“We’ll be supported by G I Sykes Ltd, Bathams Brewery, Summit Platforms, The Body Clinic, PPG Paint and Boroughbridge and Staniland Marinas.”
The rally has attracted a very strong entry and Sykes is seeded second 2WD car behind Escort Mk2 driving legend Steve Bannister.
“The aim for the event is to have a strong, solid, no-fuss finish so Simon and I can gel together again. It’s really an extended test to shakedown the car and ourselves ready for the championship start next month.”
The rally starts from the M-Sport World Rally Team’s headquarters in Dovenby and the crews will face over 40 miles of action including the classic Lake District forests of Comb, Wythop and Grizedale.
Image courtesy Dave Johnson
