Formula 2 looks like being “Formula Frenzy” with a real cracker of a field lining up to battle for category honours on the Pirelli International Rally, round 3 of the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship

and, with an extremely tight situation in the points table, it’s all to play for over the tortuous Kielder stages. 

Autosport Technology Renault Twingos currently head the leader board with Estonian, Siim Pangi enjoying a narrow 3-point lead over his Finnish team mate Mikko Pajunen who is locked in a three-way tie for second spot with Callum Black (Suzuki Swift) and Craig Breen (Ford Fiesta). The question is, will the diminutive Twingo’s have the outright speed for victory on the super fast Kielder stages or will they be reeled in by the likes of round two victor Mark Donnelly (Renault Clio) or the experienced Marty McCormack in the exciting new Citroen DS3. 

An unknown quantity, and quite liable to upset the formbook, are the other Finnish crews making a welcome appearance in Cumbria. All highly rated and showing well in their domestic championship. Jussi Kumpumaki (Ford Fiesta), Jukka Korhonen (Ford Fiesta) and Teemu Horkama (Ford Puma) are the latest in a long line of super talented Scandinavian drivers and are out to make a name for themselves in UK rallying circles. 

At the other end of the points table, Australian girl Molly Taylor (Ford Fiesta), Mull resident John McCrone (Ford Fiesta) and Carlisle’s Peter Taylor (Renault Clio) have yet to score and will be going all out to make up lost ground on the leaders. 

The Pirelli International Rally blasts of from Carlisle Racecourse on Friday evening (6:30pm) for two stages in the Kershope area followed by a very full Saturday in the giant Kielder Forest complex.