THE picturesque roads of Ceredigion are set to reverberate with the roar of engines this weekend as the British Rally Championship (BRC) goes head-to-head with the European Rally Championship (ERC) at the highly anticipated Rali Ceredigion. With two points-scoring opportunities up for grabs, this event promises to be a pivotal moment in the battle for the championship title.

The 2024 edition of Rali Ceredigion, which runs from 30th August to 1st September, marks a historic occasion as the ERC makes its long-awaited return to British soil. The Aberystwyth-based rally, now in its third consecutive year on the BRC calendar, will see the UK’s best drivers face off against some of the world’s top rally crews. Over 140 competitors from 14 different countries will tackle the challenging Welsh moorland roads, covering an intense 183km of special stages.

At the top of the BRC standings, a fierce battle is brewing. William Creighton, the 2021 Junior BRC champion and 2023 Junior World Rally champion, currently leads the BRC1 standings by a single point. Driving a Pirelli-shod Ford Fiesta Rally2 with co-driver Liam Regan, Creighton will be looking to redeem himself after a challenging run in Scotland, where luck wasn’t on his side.

Hot on Creighton’s heels is Chris Ingram, who, after a stellar performance at the Voyonic Grampian Forest Rally, is just one point behind. Ingram, piloting a Michelin-clad Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 alongside co-driver Alex Kihurani, secured his second top score of the season in Scotland, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Ceredigion.

But the fight for the top spot is far from a two-horse race. Osian Pryce, a two-time winner of the Ceredigion rally, returns to the fray in his Fiesta Rally2, aiming to leverage his local knowledge and experience on these roads. However, with the route significantly reworked and the added challenge of Europe’s finest rally teams, Pryce will have his work cut out to make it three wins in a row.

Adding to the excitement, four-time BRC champion Keith Cronin enters the weekend fresh from an Irish championship win in Ulster. Cronin, who sits third in the standings, has also tasted success in Ceredigion, although his last outing ended in disappointment with a non-finish. Teaming up with co-driver Mikie Galvin, Cronin will be playing his Joker during the first points-scoring opportunity, adding an extra layer of strategy to his weekend.

The event also sees the return of three-time British Rally Champion Matt Edwards. The Welshman, who has been a dominant force in the Irish series this year, will be driving a Ford Fiesta Rally2 with co-driver David Moynihan. Edwards’ return to the BRC has generated significant buzz, and he is expected to challenge the regulars for a top spot on the leaderboard.

The Junior BRC category could see its champion crowned this weekend. Robert Proudlock, driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4, has enjoyed a strong season with two gravel wins under his belt. A top score in Ceredigion could see him clinch the title with a round to spare. However, he will face stiff competition from the likes of Ryan MacHugh, Kyle McBride, and Keelan Grogan, all of whom are eager to keep their title hopes alive.

The Junior BRC field is further bolstered by the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup, adding even more depth to an already competitive line-up. Local favourite Ioan Lloyd, who took Junior victory in Ceredigion last year, is tipped as a pre-event favourite. Driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4, Lloyd will be aiming for both BRC and ERC glory on his home stages.

Running alongside the International event, the National Rally Title and Open Rally Title categories promise their own share of drama. Callum Black, driving a Fiesta Rally2, heads the charge in the Open Rally Title, while BRC1 ace Neil Roskell will be looking to score Open points in his Fiesta Rally2. Both drivers will need to watch out for local hero Kevin Davies, who will be in hot pursuit in his Volkswagen Polo.

In the National Rally Title category, William Mains leads the standings in his Vauxhall Nova. Mains, who is competing on his home rally, will face tough competition from double winner Darren Atkinson in his Escort. The category also features a strong line-up of challengers, including Wayne Jones in a Darrian and Nathan Evans in a Clio.

The action kicks off on Friday, August 30, with Free Practice and Qualifying for the International crews, followed by a ceremonial start in Aberystwyth. The popular Aberystwyth Street Stage will see a double run on Friday night, setting the scene for a weekend of high-octane competition.

Saturday’s itinerary features eight stages, covering 124km of challenging terrain. Sunday’s action-packed schedule includes four stages and an additional 57km, culminating in a ceremonial finish in Aberystwyth from around 3pm.

Rally enthusiasts can catch all the BRC action from Rali Ceredigion, which will be broadcast on ITV4, ITV4+1, and ITVX on Wednesday, 11th September at 8pm. For live updates and the latest news, fans are encouraged to visit the British Rally Championship’s official website and follow the BRC on social media using the hashtag #BRCRally.

As the countdown to Rali Ceredigion continues, the excitement is palpable. With championship points, national pride, and international glory on the line, this weekend’s rally promises to be a defining moment in the 2024 British Rally Championship.