Niall McShea continues to lead the Irish challenge after the conclusion of the second leg of the Network Q Rally of Great Britain. The Fermanagh driver in his Citroen Saxo, co-driven by fellow Northern Ireland man, Michael Orr, finished today's stages in 18th place.

Up to 15 people were feared to have been injured today after being struck by a car during the Network Q Rally of Great Britain.

Niall McShea/Michael Orr (Citroen Saxo) head the Irish contingent at the end of the first leg of Network Q Rally of Great Britain. Eamonn Boland/Anthony Nestor also made it safely through but Derek McGarrity/Dermot O'Gorman are out.

Richard Burns suffered a scare as he resumed his World Championship quest at the Network Q Rally of Great Britain this morning.

Top Irish rally star, Austin McHale was prevented from starting the Network Q Rally of Great Britain last evening when his car failed to pass pre-event scrutiny in Cardiff.

Richard Burns needs only to repeat his performance of the last three years in the Network Q Rally of Great Britain at the end of this month to achieve his ambition of becoming world champion for the first time.

Englishman Richard Burns set himself up for a world championship showdown with former champions Colin McRae of Scotland and Finland’s Tommi Makinen by finishing runner-up to current title holder Marcus Gronholm in the Telstra Rally of Australia in Perth today.

Two Irish crews finished in the top three of the Bulldog Rally in Wales, the final round of the ANCRO Rally Championship.