Top driver slams rally as 'waste of time'

Reigning champion Paul Bird goes into today's concluding ten stages of the Manx Telecom Rally with a lead of 11.2 seconds over Irishman Keith Cronin.

But he was far from happy at the finish of last night's leg.

The reason was the level at which the organisers pitched the minimum time, or 'bogey', for the stages.
Under the rules, crews which beat that 'standard' are given 'bogey' time, with the aim of making it a closer contest.

However, it can be frustrating for the top drivers, as Paul explained to Manx Radio's sports editor Tim Glover (play audio file):

Manx pair Steven Quine and Richard Skinner made a good start and start the second day in fourth position.

The rally organisers have been appealing for more marshals for today's stages, and anybody who fancies getting involved can ring 452321.