Motorsport: Synan leads in Kerry

Ed Synan in his Opel Manta 400 was the quickest driver through the first run of the Yokohama Tyres Kerry Winter Rally.

Partnered by fellow Limerick man, David Doherty, he stopped the clocks on a time of seven minutes 18 seconds.

On the stage on the outskirts of Castleisland, Synan’s closest rival is defending champion, Johnny O’Sullivan, in an Escort WRC.

He trails the rally leader by just two seconds with Ray Breen, in his Subaru Impreza, some 10 seconds behind.

The Subaru of Liam Davis is in fourth spot. The Cork driver said that the use of intermediate tyres on the stage would have made a noticeable difference to his time.

Top rear wheel drive competitor is Monaghan’s Enda Keenan, who thrilled the large crowds with his driving skills.

John Kearney, a local driver, also in a Mk. 2 Escort, is one place adrift of Keenan in sixth place. The two are separated by five seconds.

Elsewhere, Tom Randles (Escort), Brendan Brosnan and Pat Barry (Sierra) are all holding top 10 places.

Meanwhile, Takuma Sato (Carlin Motorsport) has won the Macau Grand Prix The Jordan bound driver won both races to take overall victory.

Northern Ireland’s Derek Hayes (Manor Motorsport) set the fastest lap time. He was fifteenth overall.