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Rising star Ingram targets ERC Junior title in 2017

British youngster Chris Ingram says he was satisfied to win the 2016 edition of ERC's two-wheel drive category, but at the same time was left disappointed on missing out the Junior title by two points.

David Gruz

Published: Oct 10, 2016, 12:04 PM

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Chris Ingram, Opel

Ingram, who was given the MSA Young Driver of the Year award in 2012, joined the Opel Rallye Junior Team for a title assault in both ERC3 and ERC Junior this year.

Following a win in the Czech Republic and four other podiums, Ingram had all but secured the Junior crown as he entered the final round of the category with a lead of 37 points.

However, a mechanical issue forced him to retire in Latvia, meaning he had to give up the title to teammate and main rival Marijan Griebel.

He managed to keep a two-point lead in the ERC3 standings and, as Griebel took part in the last rally of the season in the main class, Ingram secured the title without having to enter.

"[It was] very hard to take as we led the Juniors for pretty much the whole season," Ingram told Motorsport.com.

"The car was 100 percent reliable until the final one percent of the championship, but that is motorsport sometimes.

"It was more disappointing to miss out on the R5 prize drive, but hopefully my time will come soon enough. I am still young for a junior driver."

"To drive for such a professional team as Opel Motorsport are has been a dream and it showed with my developed pace and consistent results.

"Five podiums in a row to clinch the two-wheel drive European rally title is amazing."

Ingram, who will take part in Rally Wales later this month with the Vauxhall Motorsport Junior Rally Team, said a return to ERC Junior next year would likely result in him dominating the class.

"It would be great to stay with Opel Motorsport as I've learned so much with them, and I think we could dominate without Griebel in the series," he said.

"But I would also like to gain WRC or R5 experience as soon as possible, so at the moment next year is quite open.

"A new opportunity has opened up to do WRC Wales Rally GB with Vauxhall Network Q support, so maybe a programme with mixed with events in BRC with Vauxhall and ERC with Opel could be a fantastic option."

Chris Ingram, Azores Rally

Photo by: ERC official press

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Previous article Czech ERC: Kopecky wins home rally, Kajetanowicz nears title

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