Milner's Ulster setback

Jonny Milner’s hopes of a third consecutive British Rally Championship title suffered a blow when he crashed out of the AnswerCall Direct Ulster Rally this morning.

York-based Milner held sixth overnight but crashed his Subaru a mile into this morning’s opening stage and retired.

Mark Higgins continues to lead the event after a solid second morning.

The Isle of Man-born Ford driver holds a 54-second lead over Eugene Donnelly’s Toyota. Five-time Irish tarmac champion Austin MacHale, driving a Ford, has moved into third after Kevin Lynch lost time with a puncture.