Keith Cronin deflated after misfortune at Ypres Rally

With maximum points from the Prestone British Rally championship category of the Renties Ypres Rally in view, there was final stage agony for the Cork-Kerry duo of Keith Cronin/Mikie Galvin (Hyundai i20 R5) — a puncture that relegated them to third of the BRC contenders.

Opening round winner Welsh ace Matt Edwards (Fiesta R5) went on to claim the spoils — his second haul of maximum points — with Scotland’s David Bogie (Skoda Fabia R5) 18 seconds behind and 7.6 seconds ahead of Cronin.

It was cruel luck as Cronin led the BRC contingent all the way since the start on Friday afternoon and into the 23rd stage. He experienced an overshoot and lost the front left light fitting and overcame a high-speed slide during the final day.