Bird in flying form as he wins ALMC Rally
They finished six seconds ahead of fellow overseas crew, Damien Cole/James Morgan, also in a Ford Focus WRC, with the Subaru WRC of Steve Simpson/Patrick Walsh, 15 seconds further behind in third.
Indications of a close battle were reflected in the time sheets after the opening stage where Simpson and Cole set the same time with Kenny McKinstry (Subaru WRC) four seconds behind and Bird nine seconds off top spot.