Up and coming Canberra rally driver, Rhys Pinter, has received the call from Forester Rallying/Two 4 Motorsport to contest the 2016 MSA Junior British Rally Championship (BRC) in a Ford Fiesta R2. Should Pinter be successful, he has the chance to compete in a Ford Fiesta R5 in the 2017 BRC.
In a major coup, the deal initially includes contesting three of the first four rounds being Rally Mid Wales, the Pirelli International Carlisle Rally and the Jim Clark Memorial Rally.
“I’m excited to get over to the UK in February to test and then compete in Round 1 at Rally Mid Wales,” said Pinter and, “This has always been an aspiration of mine and I feel privileged for the opportunity offered by Forester Rallying/Two 4 Motorsport to compete in the revamped 2016 BRC.”
The deal was offered to Pinter after a conversation with UK co-driver Phil Hall following their success at Rally Australia. “I had frank discussions with Phil, Oliver my manager and my family and we have made the decision to head to the UK for further development” Pinter said.
“I have been given a great opportunity to compete against cars like my own and I will be able to gauge where I currently sit development wise,” Pinter said.
Pinter added “Indeed, with the changing regulations in the Australian Rally Championship (ARC) including the uncertainty of a development category that recognises the achievement of junior competitors, it will be harder for our team to be competitive as the ARC moves back to a 4WD formula in 2016.
“I need to experience a championship that has equal footing and with the BRC having a competitive junior category for internationally recognised R2 class cars, it was the obvious choice,” Pinter said.
To assist Pinter to get to grips with the UK roads, the team has signed experienced co-driver Mark Swallow for the 2016 BRC.
At this stage, funding has been secured for the first two events. However, the team will have various sponsorship discussions over the coming months to secure funding for the third and potentially further 2016 BRC events. The team along with Pinter are aiming to compete in all rounds of the championship but would need further support to make it happen.
Photo: Michael Vettas
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