FST Stars Look to Shine on Opening Round

As the MSA British Rally Championship (BRC) and NGK BRC Challenge (NGK BRCC) embark on a new season this weekend, so too the new-look Fiesta SportTrophy (FST) and SportChallenge (FSC) championships kick start their season with the stars of British rallying heading south for the opening round of the year at the 2012 Rallye Sunseeker International.

Joining the calendar for the first time last year, the gravel stages of Rallye Sunseeker became a firm favourite with competitors and spectators alike. Following a similar route to the 2011 edition, this year's event will see the FST stars complete 66 competitive miles across 12 stages with the FSC contesting 51 miles and 10 stages.

This year will also see Rallye Sunseeker host the start of a new era for both the BRC and the Fiesta championships. In a move towards reducing costs and making British rallying a more accessible and affordable sport, 2012 will see the BRC eligible to 2WD only as M-Sport's latest global rally car, the Ford Fiesta R1, makes its competitive debut in the MSA British Junior Rally Championship.

Built to current FIA R1 regulations and aimed at those just starting out on their rallying career, the basic R1 conversion kit offers all the same personal safety and underbody protection as the globally successful Ford Fiesta R2, but with standard engine and transmission components to comply with International R1 regulations. As the first step on the Ford and M-Sport's 'Ladder of Opportunity', the all-new Fiesta allows competitors to graduate, with Ford, from national level right through to the top echelons of the WRC.

Marking his debut on the British stages, the 2011 FST International Shootout winner, Steve Røkland (19), will debut the new Fiesta R1 as he enters the BRC Junior class this weekend. The Norwegian has been competing on home rallies in Norway and Sweden in a Fiesta R2. Despite the mixed surfaces providing a learning curve for Røkland, the youngster will be one to watch as the season progresses.



Demonstrating competitive pace in the 2011 FSC in his GpN Ford Fiesta ST, Alex Parpottas graduates to the International stage for 2012 behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2. Joined by Welsh co-driver Chris Davies (21), the duo will be looking to continue their strong showing into the new season.

After an impressive first year on the British stages, Finnish ace and former FST Finland Champion, Jussi Kumpumäki (22), proved he had the skills to adapt his driving style to the demanding and technically challenging stages of the BRC last year.  Returning to the FST in 2012, Kumpumäki teams up with fellow Finn and FST driver Niko Nieminen (19) as part of the 'Ford Junior Team Finland'.

Competing against the likes of M-Sport's Ott Tänak, this may be Niko Nieminen's first experience of the BRC, but he has already made his mark with the Ford Fiesta R2 in various rounds across Scandinavia. Partnering Kumpumäki, the Finnish pairing are sure to make an impact on the British rally scene.

This weekend will also see Welshman Gethin Jones make a return to the Ford brand and to the BRC in his AVS Motorsport GpN Ford Fiesta ST.  The Welshman last rallied in the BRC in a Ford Puma Super 1600 but his vast experience sees him well placed as the series embarks on the first round of the season.

Following his season break, Northern Ireland's Mathew Cathcart (20) returns to the FST this year. The 20-year-old impressed in 2010 to challenge the likes of Elfyn Evans, John MacCrone and Peter Taylor. Cathcart and co-driver James Morgan (20) will be well prepared having contested the Forrest of Wyedean Rally last week where they secured second in class.

Taking the FSC by storm to claim the title in his debut year, 2012 will see Jack Rowe (18) step up to the FST alongside former WRC Academy co-driver James Aldridge (24). Rowe's obvious speed means he'll be one to watch this year as the Englishman looks to add some FST trophies to his collection.

Cornwall's Matt Cotton and co-driver Glyn Thomas also join the AVS Motorsport team for 2012. Having been involved in motorsport from an early age, Cotton has an impressive career history, demonstrating real pace in a number of cars. Looking for a strong season, Cotton now turns his attention to the FST and the GpN Ford Fiesta ST.

Having contested the FSC last year, Ruary MacLeod (22) makes a welcome return, this time to the FST with a Ford Fiesta R2. MacLeod showed some competitive pace last year and gained experience behind the wheel of his Fiesta R2 towards the end of the season to finish fourth in the IRC Scotland 2WD class.

After finishing third in the inaugural FIA WRC Academy last year, Alastair Fisher (23) and co-driver Daniel Barrett join the FST entry list for 2012. Last competing on the Jim Clark, the pairing claimed a convincing victory. The Irish driver will be confident in his Ford Fiesta R2 and be looking to challenge the top contenders in the BRC.

After a year's break, Elfyn Evans (23) will also contest this weekend's FST round alongside co-driver Andrew Edwards in a Ford Fiesta R2. Proving himself on the FST and BRC circuit with two previous FST titles to his name as well as a Pirelli Star Driver award, the Welshman will be looking for victory this weekend.

Welsh driver Tom Cave (21), also joins the line-up in a Ford Fiesta R2. Tackling the challenging stages of the Forest of Wyedean Rally last week, Cave will be in a strong position heading into the first round of the season.

Elsewhere in the FSC, Preston based Adam Taylor (21) and co-driver Loic Ditchman (23) join the one-make series for the first time in a GpN Ford Fiesta ST. Starting his career at the age of 14, Taylor competed in Peugeot 205s and Mitsubishi EVO 6s before transferring his skills to the Fiesta.

FSC and single make series expert Tony Simpson and co-driver Stefan Arndt compete for their second consecutive FSC season in their AVS Motorsport run GpN Fiesta ST. 2011 proved a tricky year for Simpson, but his focus and determination paid dividends with some great stage times on the Irish Tarmac. Starting the new year with a rejuvenated car, the pairing will be looking for a strong start to the season.

Elsewhere, Pirelli Tyres return for their fifth consecutive season as the supplier of control tyres and Castrol Edge continue their support of the series with the 'Hard Charger' award for the highest number of fastest stage times.

With an impressive entry list boasting some of rallying's most exciting drivers, the Fiesta series will be one to watch on this the first round of the season.