In-form Fisher leads the Irish challenge in Jim Clark International

There is a strong Irish presence in the Jim Clark International Rally, the second round of British Rally Championship, that begins with a stage around the streets of Duns in the Scottish borders this evening.

The Citroen marque has a lock-out of the top 10 seeds, with Welsh driver Tom Cave heading the entry. Twelve months ago he finished second to Cork driver Keith Cronin. Tyrone’s Alastair Fisher leads the Irish challenge this time and will be competing on his first tarmac event in a Citroen DS3.

He said: “I was very pleased with the car in Portugal and on the Pirelli. It’s a well-balanced car and it felt very smooth to drive on our tarmac test. It will be all go from the start with the Abbey St Bathan’s test an important one tonight.”