Breen believes tide has turned in his favour

Even though Finland’s Esapekka Lappi and co-driver Janne Ferm (Skoda Fabia S2000) dominated most of the 10 stages in yesterday’s opening leg of the Discover Northern Ireland Circuit of Ireland Rally, the event remains delicately poised and set for a frenetic finish through today’s eight stages.

That’s because their main rivals, Waterford’s Craig Breen and his British co-driver Scott Martin on board their Peugeot 208 T16, are only 12.6 seconds behind after a day-long battle in splendid sunshine on the roads of counties Antrim and Down.

Dubliner Robert Barrable and co-driver Stuart Loudon, in their Tunnock’s Cakes-liveried Ford Fiesta R5, are third overall and on course for a podium spot in this fourth round of the European Rally Championship.