LAST weekend's FIA European Rally Championship and British Rally Championship double header – the JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion – proved frustrating for Phillip Allen and Forest of Dean co-driver Craig Drew, although the first time pairing will take away positives, reports PAUL WILLETTS.

The Aberystwyth-based event offered competitors in both International and National rallies 14 stages over three days totalling 183kms on some of the best asphalt roads in Europe.

The Sarrazin Motorsport-run Skoda Fabia R5 Rally 2 got off to a solid start over Friday evening's two Aberystwyth street stage specials, watched by thousands of spectators in the evening sunshine to hold 11th.

Day two saw some 124 kms over eight special stages with three long tests before a mid-day service back in Aberystwyth, and a repeat loop plus another two runs over the town super specials in the afternoon.

Although the day dawned bright and dry, the stages were slippery in places with grip levels changeable.

But the duo started well setting a second fastest time on stage five to hold 11th at the midday service.

The afternoon loop was when things started to unfold for the young Irish driver though, as he reported the tyres went off at the end of stage six, costing time.

Worse followed on the long Llyn Brianne test when they punctured, electing to stop and change it, losing two minutes which dropped them to 20th.

But good times on the final two super specials pushed them back to 16th overnight.

"First loop was ok. We set some decent times with second fastest on stage 5 but the afternoon loop didn't go to plan with the puncture, but we'll see what tomorrow brings," said Craig.

Sunday dawned fine but with reports of heavy showers later, for two loops of two stages totalling 57 km.

Ninth quickest on the opening 11km Bethania test plus a couple of retirements in front saw the duo up to 11th, but grip levels were inconsistent.

The rain then arrived for the 17.5km Hafod test, and a high speed off into a bank resulted in a broken wheel.

This looked game over, but after frantic work they changed it and headed for service, dropping 10 minutes and 20 places.

A repeat of the morning loop of the final two tests was tricky in the wet, resulting in two more overshoots, but they pulled back to 26th in the end.

Craig said: "It's been a disappointing weekend in terms of the overall result but there are positives to take away and work on.

"Phillip’s a talented driver, and we will go away and review the weekend. We're not sure if we will do the final round in Poland, but may look to do some other asphalt rallies in Europe to build our partnership."

Herefordshire duo Roger Moran and Dan Petrie took 51st in the Moran Motorhomes Skoda Fabia R5 after a trouble free run.

Alan Marriage with Ross Motor Club's Kevin Lane on the notes took 71st and sixth in class in the Dave Jenkins Motorsport Escort RS1800.

The event organising team must take huge plaudits for putting on a first class event well worthy of its ERC status, and hopefully next year will see more European crews tackle some of the best roads in Europe.

Likewise, the local residents and Ceredigion Council should take great credit for the unwavering support of the event, which brings an estimated £3.5m to the local economy.