Having claimed his first World Rally Championship podium finish on the Neste Rally Finland two years ago, Waterford’s Craig Breen hopes history repeats itself as he sets out on this morning’s first proper stage of the event regarded as one of the fastest within the WRC.

Cavan’s Jonathan Pringle (Ford Escort) and co-driver James Fulton took a controlled victory on the Midleton-based Imokilly Rally, round four of the PlasticBags.ie Southern 4 Rally Championship.

The Joule Donegal International Rally that begins this afternoon is the best-supported event within the Clonakilty Blackpudding Irish Tarmac Championship and also the only three-day event in Irish rallying.