Motorsport: Nesbitt has one second lead over McHale

Midway through the World Rally Masters at Punchestown, Andrew Nesbitt, in his Subaru Ireland WRC, has a one second lead over the Toyota Corolla WRC

of Austin McHale, the pair virtually inseparable over the three timed runs completed.

World championship stars, Richard Burns, in his Subaru WRC, Freddy Loix (Mitsubishi Carisma) and Miki Biasion (Fiat Punto Rally) are thrilling the estimated

crowd of 12,000 spectators to exhibition driving of the highest quality.

Nesbitt and McHale were the joint early leaders with Derek McGarrity and Frank Meagher some three seconds behind.

On the second stage, Nesbitt gained a second on McHale to take the lead with McGarrity a further seven seconds behind.

McHale and Nesbitt set identical times on the third run with Derek McGarrity

next best.

Daniel Doherty (Subaru) is fourth another seven seconds adrift.

The drivers will complete another three runs of the stage - in an anti clockwise direction.

Andrew Nesbitt 8 minutes 6 seconds.

Austin McHale 8 minutes 7 seconds.

Derek McGarrity 8 minutes 14 seconds.

Daniel Doherty 8 minutes 21 seconds

Frank Meagher 8 minutes 23 seconds

Ollie O’Donovan 8 minutes 25 seconds.

James Cullen 8 minutes 27 seconds

Patrick Snijers 8 minutes 27 seconds

Michael Barrable 8 minutes 30 seconds

Denis Biggerstaff 8 minutes 32 seconds.