20 WRCs to feature in Manx Rally

A total of 20 world rally cars featuring top rallying names from Britain and Ireland have been confirmed for next weeks’ Gibbs Aquada 41st Manx International Rally.

Leading the way for the start on Thursday July 29 will be reigning British champion Jonny Milner. He has switched from Toyota to Subaru in his bid to make it a hat-trick of British crowns.

Most of the challengers from the British Kwik-Fit Pirelli series will attend, including 11 of the top 12 in the standings which includes Ireland's Austin McHale.

The challenge is just as strong from this side of the Irish Sea, with the top eight in the Pirelli Irish Tarmac title race all boarding the ferry, including reigning champion and current points leader Derek McGarrity from Co Antrim.

He was third last year and will bring another Impreza for his challenge this time.

Eugene Donnelly, second in the Irish standings, will make his Manx debut in a Toyota Corolla.

Among the other leading Irish drivers is Eamonn Boland who is reportedly switching from Mitsubishi to Subaru for the event.