After winning the event the last time it was run in 2009, Penrith rally driver Paul Bird’s hopes of getting his hands on the winner’s trophy once again were dashed following a puncture and subsequent visit to a ditch in this weekend’s Coniston-based Coppermines Grizedale Stages Rally, held in his native Lake District.

Driving the Fuchs Titan, Rapid Solicitors, Vent Axia and Kick Energy-backed FBP Ford Focus WRC07 for the first time on gravel in seven months, Bird and Scottish co driver Kirsty Riddick were well in contention holding third overnight following a steady run through the opening seven mile stage on Saturday evening before a concerted effort was planned for today.

All was going well when the British Superbike team boss stopped the clocks second fastest on SS2 behind eventual winners David Wright and Michael Wilkinson (Mitsubishi) but it was on the third test that the Cumbrian hit trouble when a puncture early on saw him then slide into a ditch and lose over four minutes in the process.

With any hopes of repeating his victory of 2009 (the 2010 event was snowed off), Bird attacked the remaining four stages and set fastest time on each of them to elevate himself up to sixth place at the finish, taking the WRC honours in the process.

“Whilst I’m obviously disappointed not to win, I’m pleased with the way I drove, especially as not having driven on gravel time since the Somerset Stages back in April. It felt good, the stages were great and well done to David on the win, he drove really well but I think it would have been very close if neither of us had encountered our respective problems. I was using Pirelli tyres for the first time in four years and it took me a while to get used to them, plus the puncture was my fault, and in the end we were fastest on every remaining stage. We could have just gone home but we decided it was valuable testing time for us,” said Bird.

Bird will next be in action on the Jack Frost Stages Rally, which takes place on Sunday January 22nd 2012 at Croft Circuit, where he is looking to clinch a record-breaking fourth win on the Darlington and District Motor Club event.

 

ENDS