Matt Edwards looking to keep the pace up at Donegal International Rally

Matt Edwards carries a 12-second lead into day two of the Donegal International Rally, which starts this morning, Saturday, with the first of two runs over the famous ‘Knockalla’ stage.

Edwards holds a 12-second lead over last year’s winner Callum Devine. The Englishman was quickest in Friday’s opening three stages around Malin Head, Marmore Gap and Camcross – but an overshoot in Stage 4 handed the lead to Irish Tarmac Championship leader Keith Cronin for a time.

However, Cronin lost a wheel on stage 5, which ended his rally – and Edwards regained top spot on General Classification as Day 1 drew to a close.

Race leader Edwards admits the opening day was all about settling in. 

“It wasn’t easy - that one was really tricky. We’re on a medium slick that’s cut. Depending on the road, you break a bit earlier than usual and then you try to get a bit of heat in it on a good surface.

“But no doubt we’re in a good position. Everything is working well and the pace seems to be in it”.  

Going into the second day of rallying, Devine said both he and co-pilot Noel O’Sulivan were content with their opening day efforts in their new Skodia Fabia. 

“We knew it would take a day to break in the new car and get the hang of things. With the elements dry this morning and then slippy in the last stage, we’re making improvements. 

“Tyre choice has been okay. Overall, we’re happy. We’ll just keep pushing on”. 

The rally continues with eight stages and concludes on Sunday with a further six.

Current standing

1: M. Edwards/D. Moynihan (Ford Fiesta Rally2) 42m. 26.6s
2: Devine/N. O'Sullivan (Skoda Fabia Rally2) +12.0s
3: C. McCourt/B. Hoy (Ford Fiesta Rally2) +24.8s
4: J. Moffett/A. Hayes (Citroen C3 Rally2) +52.8s
5: M. Evans/G. Conway (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) +55.8s
6: D. Kelly/D. O'Sullivan (VW Polo GTi R5) +57.6s
7: D. Boyle/P. Walsh (Citroen C3 Rally2) +1m17.9s
8: A. Wray/N. Burns (VW Polo GTi R5) +1m41.4s
9: M. Boyle/D. McCafferty (VW Polo GTi R5) +1m 54.0s
10: J. Ford/N. Shanks (Citroen C3 Rally2) +2m05.4s

Saturday’s schedule

Stage 7: Knockalla, 09:53
Stage 8: Garrygort, 10:33

Service In: Kiltoy, Carndonagh, 11:10
Service Out: 11:40

Stage 9: Knockalla, 12:34
Stage 10: Garrygort, 13:14

Service In: Kiltoy, Carndonagh, 13:51
Service Out: 14:21

Stage 11: High Glen, 15:07
Stage 12: Lough Keel, 15:38

Service In: Kiltoy, Carndonagh, 16:15
Service Out: 16:45

Stage 13: High Glen, 17:31
Stage 14: Lough Keel, 18:02

Parc Fermé In: ATU Letterkenny, 18:46