Osian Pryce got his Wales Rally GB dream underway on Friday looking to impress against the world’s best in the Welsh forests.
Just 11 days after celebrating victory in the prestigious WRC-based Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy at the Rally of Spain, Brecon-based Pryce has stepped up to his toughest sporting assignment yet.
Osian and co-driver Dale Furniss are going head-to-head with the fastest drivers from around the world as Wales Rally GB thunders through the woods of north and mid-Wales.
The Welsh pair will be chasing WRC2 glory to round off what’s already been an exceptional season on the world stage.
WRC2 is the main feeder category to the World Rally Championship itself and the Ford Fiesta R5 has almost twice the power Pryce has been used to in the DDFT series.
On top of that, Pryce will enjoy total traction from the R5’s state-of-the-art four-wheel drive system.
“There’s no doubt, this car’s a real step up,” he said. “The acceleration off the line and out of the slower corners is just unbelievable. It’s an amazing piece of kit.”
Pryce drove a Fiesta R5 on this event two years ago, but this is the first time he’s registered for WRC2.
“It’s a big deal to take on the drivers in WRC2,” he said. “A lot of the guys who have been in there all season are moving up to the main WRC next year.
“This is where it’s at for aspiring drivers in the world championship, so it’s a real honour and privilege to be here.
“And, I don’t mind a bit of a relief to be here; the day after we flew home from winning the championship in Barcelona, we lost a sponsor and it looked like our Wales Rally GB dream was over.
“I got straight on the phone and worked non-stop to find some more funding to keep us on the road. Having got this far, nothing was going to stop me! And now we’re here, it’s amazing. I can’t wait to get started.”
Pryce took part in a packed ceremonial start at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay on Thursday night before launching his bid for real.
He added: “We got a fantastic reception at the start,” said Osian. “Being one of the top Welsh runners, the crowd really got behind us and that means a lot. It’s a fantastic buzz.
“But the business starts tomorrow, with the longest day of the event. The key for tomorrow is to settle myself in and try not to make any mistakes.
“I haven’t got anything like the kind of experience of these cars the guys I’m competing against have and, of course, they’ve been driving them all season.
“Let’s see what happens. I’m in a nice position really: I’ve won the title I wanted this year and this is a chance to relax and do the biggest rally in Britain without the pressure and expectation of a season-long title fight.”