Neil Simpson returns to Circuit of Ireland driving Skoda Fabia 5

Tourism Manager John Douglas with Neil Simpson and Claire MoleTourism Manager John Douglas with Neil Simpson and Claire Mole
Tourism Manager John Douglas with Neil Simpson and Claire Mole
Despite a long international rally career, during which time Neil Simpson became a works Volkswagen Motorsport driver, the 44-year old from Clitheroe in Lancashire has only contested the Circuit of Ireland Rally once before and that was in 2014, after he had returned to the sport from a 12 year sabbatical.

Simpson finished an impressive fifth on his debut on the 2014 Circuit, driving an ex-Skoda Motorsport Fabia S2000.

This time he will start the 2016 event in a new Skoda Fabia R5, and he will be hoping to restart his 2016 MSA British Rally Championship campaign, after suffering an early retirement on the opening Mid Wales Stages.

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The start of his first BRC programme for 16 years ended when the pop-off valve of his Skoda exploded as he left the start line of the opening stage.

With six scores from seven rallies to count, his 2016 BRC season begins with a clean slate on the Circuit of Ireland and with co-driver Elliott Edmondson he has been testing the Fabia R5 on a tarmac road in Wales.

“The Circuit of Ireland is one of the standout events in this year’s MSA British Rally Championship, and I am really looking forward to returning to the challenging tarmac roads of Northern Ireland,” said Simpson. “I have only done the event once before, however, over my career I have done the Ulster Rally and many of the stages, or at least part of them, several times, so I have a good feel for the terrain and know what to expect.

“The weather can often have a dramatic effect on the outcome of the event, and making the correct tyre choice will be vital.

“It will be a tough event, the competition is very strong indeed, and I would be delighted if we could come home with a top ten result.”

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