Higgins continues to lead Manx Rally

Mark Higgins in his Skoda Octavia WRC continues to lead the Manx International Rally, a counting round of the Irish and British Pirelli Championships.

Higgins had a slow start on the opening stage today as Kenny McKinstry recorded the fastest time to embellish his third place position.

Higgins continues to be pressurised by last year’s winner, Jonny Milner (Subaru) and after SS 10, the margin between the top two is just 1.9 seconds with Kenny McKinstry’s Subaru a further 34.3 seconds behind in third.

The Banbridge ace spun and lost time on one of this morning’s stages.

His fellow Irish drivers continue to give chase. Derek McGarrity, who replaced the gearbox of his Subaru at last night’s service halt, is back into fourth. He continues to experience difficulties as the replacement seems to be problematic with no fifth gear.

Austin MacHale in his Ford Focus is fifth and Eugene Donnelly’s Toyota Corolla is next on the order; Donnelly, on his first competitive outing in the Manx, is finding the stages quite tough and lacks the experience of his rivals.

Eamonn Boland slightly re-arranged the front of his Subaru on a left hand junction, nevertheless, he is eighth overall.

Jim NcNulty has retired with a blown turbo.