Motorsport: McShea moves into second place in Super 1600

Niall McShea continues to lead the Irish challenge after the conclusion of the second leg of the Network Q Rally of Great Britain. The Fermanagh driver in his Citroen Saxo, co-driven by fellow Northern Ireland man, Michael Orr, finished today's stages in 18th place.

They made up a number of places on the first stage this morning. Their performance on the Resolfen stage also promoted them into second place in the Super 1600 category. Although McShea pushed his Citroen Saxo to the limit on S.S. 10, Margam, he couldn't make any inroads on category leader, Sebastian Loeb, who he trails by 2 minutes 37.3 seconds.

Loeb has already clinched the category prior to the Network Q.

Wexford's, Eamonn Boland and his co-driver, Anthony Nestor (Subaru WRC) had another trouble free day and they too picked up a number of places. They are 25th overall prior to tomorrow's final leg of four stages.

Irish co-drivers, Trevor Agnew and Chris Patterson are out of the rally. Their respective drivers, Neil Wearden (Subaru WRC) and Gwyndaf Evans both went off the road.

Following an accident on S.S. 11, involving Ford driver, Carlos Sainz, Ford had decided to withdraw both of its remaining cars from the rally.

A number of spectators were injured when Sainz crashed at a 90-degree bend.

The following stage was cancelled and all the remaining crews completed the Cardiff Super Special Stage.

Overnight, Marcus Gronholm (Peugeot) leads Richard Burns (Subaru) by a minute and 35.4 seconds with Harri Rovanpera (Peugeot) third and Alister McRae (Hyundai) fourth.