VK Rally Team Gateshead summary

Fourth again for Perez

VK Vodka Kick Rally Team driver Steve Perez continued his consistent run by finishing fourth yet again, this time on the Pirelli International Rally based in Gateshead.

The Chesterfield driver, along with new co driver Daniel Barritt followed up similar results on the two recent ANCRO rounds, as they battled it out for honours in round one of the British Rally Championship in the legendary Kielder Forest.

Despite a steady run through the opening stage on Friday evening as he got into the groove with Barritt, and catching a car on the next test which resulted in a big moment in the dust, Perez battled on to lay fifth at the overnight halt.

A concerted effort on Saturday saw the pair claw their way up to fourth and despite a late charge, they couldn't quite catch M-Sport team mates Paul Bird/Andrew Bargery but headed home another Focus in the hands of Matthew Wilson and significantly, Barry Johnson's Subaru:

"That makes us equal after Barry beat me on the North Humberside a few weeks ago!" quipped Perez. "We had a good, consistent run and we can build on this for the rest of the season now. I'm happy to have finished as third registered championship contender and I'm looking forward to doing all the rounds" concluded the Derbyshire businessman.

<pre> Results - Top Six 1 David Higgins/Chris Wood Hyundai Accent WRC 2 Alistair Ginley/Rory Kennedy Subaru Impreza WRC 3 Paul Bird/Andrew Bargery Ford Focus WRC 4 Steve Perez/Daniel Barritt Ford Focus WRC 5 Matthew Wilson/Scott Martin Ford Focus WRC 6 Barry Johnson/Stewart Merry Subaru Impreza WRC

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