By Paul Evans

Osian Pryce has been seeded at number one and will lead a stellar Pirelli MSA Welsh and British Historic Rally Championship field away on this Sunday’s Red Kite Rally.

The talented 25-year old Machynlleth-born rally ace will drive the same RallyXtreme-run 1978 Escort Mk2 that he used on Rally North Wales back in March. However, with no time to test the Pirelli-shod car, the first time he and Llanfyllin-based co-driver Dale Furniss will sit in it again will be when they drive to the first of the Vale of Neath stages on Sunday morning.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend’s Red Kite Rally, as it’s been eight years since I rallied in the Vale of Neath,” said Pryce. “I can’t see it being a problem not testing the car beforehand, as it will be in exactly the same spec as it was when we finished Rally North Wales in it three months ago. Running first on the road and sweeping the loose gravel might make it interesting, but at least I’ll have a clear run and won’t be caught in any dust if the weather forecast is correct and it’s a nice dry day. We’re doing the rally for fun and we’re just going out to enjoy it.”

Paul Barratt/Will Rogers are seeded at two in another Escort Mk2, while Bala’s Ieuan Rowlands/Emyr Hall start at three in their Hillman Avenger.

After Sunday morning’s two-wheel drive event comes to an end, the four-wheel drive cars leave the start at Resolven Mart Ground at 13.00 and follow an identical route. They will be led away by Llanon’s Dylan Davies and Caernarfon co-driver Llion Williams, who lead the Welsh Rally Championship in their Subaru Impreza.