Kenny McKinstry (Subaru) heads a strong Irish contingent at the end of the first leg of the Manx International Rally, a vital round of both the Irish and British Rally Championships.

Ireland’s Austin MacHale and co-driver, Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC) are beginning today’s final leg of the International Rally of Wales in third place with Northern Ireland pair Kris Meeke/Chris Patterson ((Corsa) in seventh spot and leading the Super 1600 category.

Manx born Mark Higgins and co-driver Craig Thorley have won the Manx International Rally by a comfortable margin of four minutes and 43.8 seconds.

Seven stages totalling almost 60 miles stand between Mark Higgins/Craig Thorley and victory on the Manx International Rally.