Pirelli Star Driver finalists complete opening day

The finalists in this year’s Pirelli UK Star Driver contest have completed the first gruelling day of competition after tackling a special rally stage at Sweet Lamb, Mid Wales, on Wednesday

The Pirelli Star Driver programme was set up in 2007 to reward aspiring rally drivers with a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in a full MSA British Rally Championship campaign courtesy of Pirelli.

Based on merit, one driver was selected from each of the six qualifying rallies that made up this year’s Pirelli-supported British Rally Championship. Mark Donnelly, Matthew Cathcart, Tom Cave, Jussi Kumpumaki, Osian Pryce, Desi Henry and recently-crowned British Junior Rally Champion Garry Pearson have all been selected to take part in this year’s prestigious shootout.

A panel of four judges including World Rally Championship co-driver Chris Patterson, renowned motoring journalist Jerry Williams, Finland’s Risto Laine and Citroen Racing’s Jean Francois Lienere will make an informed and collective decision on this year’s winner.

The seven finalists tackled a two-mile stage at the iconic Sweet Lamb venue in a Citroen DS3 R3 this afternoon as well as a media evaluation.  Tomorrow’s competition will test the finalists further on their driving skills, media awareness, event strategy, technical ability, racecraft and future potential.