Motorsport: Nesbitt/O'Brien dominate circuit of Ireland

The first day of the Buy & Sell Circuit of Ireland was dominated by the Subaru Ireland team of Andrew Nesbitt and James O’Brien. Even though they had a few niggling problems, they ended the day’s seven stages with a 40 second leading margin.

Daniel Doherty led after the first of three spectators stages at St. Angelo Airport but Nesbitt was in a

class of his own when they ventured out on the tarmac stages around Enniskillen.

He claimed fastest time on three of the four stages and shared another with Doherty as he gradually eased clear of his rivals. Overnight, it is the Toyota Celica of Peadar Hurson that occupies second the Warrenpoint driver was slowed on the sixth stage with brake difficulties.

On the same stage, Derek McGarrity spun his Subaru WRC and lost second to Hurson, who is four seconds ahead of the Glengormley driver.

Daniel Doherty claimed two out of three fastest times on the spectator stages and ended the day in fourth place from Eamonn Boland (Subaru WRC) and Austin McHale (Toyota Corolla).

Niall Maguire completed the day in seventh place and the overnight top ten leader board is completed by David Greer (Corolla), Maurice Gass (Subaru) and Group N leader, Brendan Kelly.

Another Group N driver, Trevor Cathers (Mitsubishi) was penalised five minutes for an illegal service.

1. Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Subaru Impreza)

32:29

2. Peadar Hurson/Ian Porter (Toyota Celica) 33:09

3. Derek McGarrity/Chris Patterson (Subaru Impreza

33:13

4. Daniel Doherty/Michael Doherty (Subaru Impreza)

33:25

5. Eamonn Boland/Anthony Nestor (Subaru WRC) 33:34

6. Austin McHale/Brian Murphy (Toyota Corolla) 33:38

7. Niall Maguire/Paul McLaughlin (Subaru Impreza)

33:58

8. David Greer/Michael Reid (Toyota Corolla) 34:15

9. Maurice Gass/Geoffrey Orr (Subaru Impreza) 34:47

10. Brendan Kelly/Rory Kennedy (Mitsubishi) 34M. 52S.

In Brands Hatch, qualifying for the second race of the British Formula 3 Championship, that will take place on Monday saw Irish driver, Michael Keohane claim his place on the third row of the grid.

His Carlin team mate, James Courtney, claimed his second pole position of the day with Robbie Kerr completing an unchanged front row. In the Scholarship Class, Gavin Smith, is the top

Irish driver. The first race of the season takes place tomorrow afternoon.