Osian Pryce took a brilliant and popular win on last weekend’s Rallynuts Severn Valley Stages - round two of the Probite British Rally Championship (BRC), writes Mark Griffin. Pryce, co-driven by best friend Rhodri Evans, secured a first overall win together after a storming drive over the loose forest tracks of Mid Wales.

Osian Pryce and Rhodri Evans
Osian Pryce and Rhodri Evans were popular winners of the second round of the British Rally Championship (Copyright: Mark Griffin)

Once again, the BRC attracted a star-studded and sell-out entry list as over 62 miles of world-class stages offered up the perfect battleground for some of the best drivers in the UK and beyond. With iconic tests such as Myherin and Hafren Sweet Lamb in store, the longer afternoon stages, rain and thick mist re-created a sense of Wales Rally GB fever for the thousands of fans who lined the stages.

Following a ceremonial start on Friday evening outside the iconic Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells, the action started in earnest the following morning. The glorious sunshine the previous day made way for light rain and hill fog as crews drove north through Rhayader for the opening test within the Abbeycwmhir Forest complex.

Championship leader and top seed Chris Ingram was fastest out of the blocks by setting a time three seconds faster than his rivals through Sarnau Forest, but in worsening driving conditions was overhauled by Pryce and up and coming Irish driver; William Creighton’s on the following stages, both driving Fiesta Rally 2 cars. After completing the morning loop, crews returned to the Royal Welsh Showground for the mid-day Service, Ingram made adjustment to the car in a hope to catch Pryce and Craighton, however the set-up changes took the car in the wrong direction to Ingram’s liking and the winner of the opening round fell back from the front runners during the afternoon loop.

Making his British rallying debut and embarking on his first competitive gravel outing, Jos Verstappen made the trip to Wales to sample the BRC in his Skoda Fabia R2 Rally, the father of F1 superstar Max enjoyed the outing, despite the difficult conditions and a double puncture on the last Hafren Stage the Dutchman finished a creditable 11th overall.

Former F1 driver Jos Verstappen signs autographs at the Metropole Ceremonial Start (Copyright: Mark Griffin)
Former F1 driver Jos Verstappen signs autographs at the Metropole Ceremonial Start (Copyright: Mark Griffin)

“We previously tested on gravel, or actually on sand, in the south of France,” explained Verstappen.

“We really liked it, so started to look for a nice place for a rally on gravel, which is why we did the Rallynuts Severn Valley Stages; It was really difficult, but I enjoyed it. It was incredibly foggy during the first stages. Fortunately, the notes we had were good, but we had to build it up because we had never driven here before. It was a completely new challenge, totally different than what I am used to. But we went for it, and it was great.”

After last competing in the Roger Albert Clark Rally last November, Craig Jones and Ian Taylor returned to competition in their overhauled Mk 1 Escort. Unfortunately it was a frustrating outing as niggling mechanical problem hindered their progress and while the car was still running decided to retire prior to the last stage.

Following a succession of niggling mechanical problems, Craig Jones and Ian Taylor retired their Mk1 Escort prior to the last stage (Copyright: Mark Griffin)
Following a succession of niggling mechanical problems, Craig Jones and Ian Taylor retired their Mk1 Escort prior to the last stage (Copyright: Mark Griffin)

Dai Block Jones and Glyn Price were again competing in the banana Yellow BMW and finished just outside the top 100 crews, just a few places behind Alan Desbois and co-driver Lucy Gutteridge from Talgarth.

Both Brecon & Epynt Motor club members undertook a long days marshalling duties. Under arduous weather conditions all must be applauded for their time and effort in making this type of event run safely and successfully.

At the finish celebrations Osian Price was overjoyed “It’s a big relief, I’m so happy to get the win today. We had a dodgy couple of stages at the end, and to be honest, it was so slippy, but I drove at a pace where I was comfortable. I did lose some time, which in the end wasn’t too bad, but we certainly had some hairy moments just trying to keep it on the road. Credit to everyone who’s got me here. Top job from Rhodri today too, that's his first-ever win!”

It was a popular Welsh winner and a popular Welsh event. Credit must go the organisers; Midland Manor Motor Club, the host town of Llandrindod Wells and Metropole Hotel for welcoming the event with such enthusiasm, plus the Service Area provided by the excellent facilities within the Royal Welsh Showground made for a highly successful Rally .

Round three of the season takes crews into the Scottish Borders for the Beatson’sBuilding Supplies Jim Clark Rally at the end of May.

Round three of the season takes crews into the Scottish Borders for the Beatson’s Building Supplies Jim Clark Rally at the end of May. The Rallynuts Severn Valley event will be broadcast on ITV4 and ITVX on Wednesday, April 24 at 8pm and repeated at 8am on Sunday, April 28.