Nesbitt and O'Brien lead at stage end

Andrew Nesbitt and co-driver James O’Brien have a 58 second advantage over the Subaru

Sat, 21 Jun, 2003 - 19:38

Andrew Nesbitt and co-driver James O’Brien have a 58 second advantage over the Subaru

WRC of Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely at the end of the second leg of the Shell Donegal International Rally.

Third, after today’s ten stages are Glengormley’s, Derek McGarrity/Dermot O’Gorman, who are 20 seconds further adrift in third place .

Heading the local Donegal challenge is Paul Harris (Subaru Impreza), he’s fourth but is coming under pressure from the more powerful Subaru WRC of Peadar Hurson, who is just four seconds behind.

Hurson started the day in eighth place but quickly worked his way through the pack.

Donegal’s, Daniel Doherty (Subaru WRC) is next followed by Eamonn Boland, who could move up to fourth if his two-minute road penalty is removed.

The Group N contest is being led by Seamus Leonard (Subaru), his class rival, Roy White (Mitsubishi) is 24 seconds behind, in overall terms, they are eighth and ninth respectively.

Completing the top ten is Glen Allen (Escort WRC).

JJ Fleming retired his Subaru WRC while Garry Jennings, who was on the fringes of the top ten has

slipped down the order when his Peugeot 106 broke a front wishbone.

Austin MacHale continues to move up the leaderboard after deciding to continue despite being down near the bottom of the leader board last evening .

1. A. Nesbitt/J. O'Brien (Subaru WRC) 1h. 41m. 24s.

2. E. Donnelly/P. Kiely (Subaru WRC) 1h. 42m. 22s.

3. D. McGarrity/D. O'Gorman (Subaru WRC) 1h. 42m. 42s.

4. P. Harris/J. McCafferty (Subaru Impreza) 1h. 44m.34s.

5. P. Hurson/I. Porter (Subaru WRC) 1h. 44m. 38s.

6. D. Doherty/M. Doherty (Subaru WRC) 1h. 45m. 06s.

7. E. Boland/D. Morrissey (Subaru WRC) 1h. 45m. 42s.

8. S. Leonard/P. McLaughlin (Subaru Gp. N) 1h. 48m.22s.