By Paul Evans

Osian Pryce says that the chance to contest the Escort Rally Special in Belgium next month is “too good to miss” as he’ll drive a BDG-engined Escort Mk2 on the event.

The one-off event is in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the building of the first Escort in 1968 and will take place in the town of Couvin, in the Walloon region of southwest Belgium, on 16 September. It will consist of one 16 mile stage that will be tackled four times.

At 25, Machynlleth-born Pryce will be one of the youngest competitors on the event and one of the top British drivers. The event has attracted a star-studded international entry, including the likes of François Duval, Robert Droogmans, Marc Duez, Stefaan Stouf, Paul Lietaer and Florian Gonon.

As his regular co-driver Dale Furniss is unavailable, Pryce will be partnered by Jess Hockly from Newtown in the RallyXtreme-prepared car.

“I’m looking forward to this very special event – it was an opportunity just too good to miss,” said Pryce.

“To be one of a hundred and forty Ford Escorts taking part in this one-off event will be really exciting, especially as the competition includes the likes of former works World Rally Championship driver François Duval. The event will be a massive weekend-long festival, so the atmosphere will electric and in typical Belgian rallying style. It will be a lot of fun and hopefully we can come away with another strong result.”

Pryce is supported by G&M Pryce Ltd, Pirelli, Steve Harkness Competition Tyres, Hills Ford and Sport Wales, and is an MSA Academy driver.