As the third round of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship pitches up in Cumbria for the Pirelli International Rally, the big question is can young Welsh Wizard Elfyn Evans plant his Pirelli TEG Sport Subaru on the top step of the podium

or will in form David Bogie, the current championship leader, sweep to yet another victory in his Mitsubishi Evo 9. Bogie took victory on the series opening round but Evans turned the tables on Round two, an event held literally in his own backyard, however, the famous “Killer Kielder” stages have a habit of throwing up all manner of unexpected hazards and the form book is very often turned upside down.

Should either of the front runners falter, there is a high class field ready to pounce with Adam Gould/ Seb Marshall (Subaru), third in the championship race, looking to keep the pressure on, it’s all very tight in the points table with Jonny Greer/ Dai Roberts (Skoda Fabia S2000) just 3 points adrift of Gould and a mere 4 ahead of Tom Clark/ Alistair Wyllie (Subaru).

The Two-day Pirelli International Rally starts off from Carlisle Racecourse and crews head first for two stages in the Kershope area, and these present the additional challenge of running in the gathering evening gloom, night stages are something some drivers aren’t accustomed to. These stages will be split by a rest halt in Newcastleton where Saturday evening will be enlivened by the town square being full of rally cars, a sight which will unquestionably attract a great deal of interest.