His examiner noted only seven minor faults (up to a maximum of 15 are acceptable to gain a pass) and attributed some to Tom being “over confident”.

“Our objective for Wales Rally GB is simple; to bring our Group N Ford Fiesta ST to the finish, ideally without using SupeRally [regulations which allow cars retiring on days one and two to return on the following day with additional time penalties]. To complete the event on my first attempt, on the same stages as the best drivers on the world, would be an incredible feat for me and a perfect culmination of two years of competition in Latvia.”  The Latvian Automobile Federation (LAF) has granted Tom his international rally license allowing him to participate on Wales Rally GB.

36,000 batteries will be saved from landfill thanks to an innovative new sponsorship deal between leading European battery manufacturer, Varta and Wales Rally GB. All 4,500 of the volunteer marshals and rally officials will be provided with Varta’s new wind-up Dynamo Light which was launched in September alongside Varta’s rechargeable and wind-up product range. This further endorses the credentials of Wales Rally GB as the first World Rally Championship round to achieve CarbonNeutral® status. Varta are also backing Worksop’s Rob Gill, starting his eighth Rally GB. (Rally number 72)

Finally, surprisingly none of the 86 entries that were published on 7th November have withdrawn, despite the worsening “credit crunch.” The only question hangs over the two entries by Mitsubishi Motors UK for County Durham’s Guy Wilks and Gwyndaf Evans from Dolgellau, pending a technical appeal arising from Trackrod Rally Yorkshire, the previous round of the Tesco 99 Octane British Rally Championship, in October. Wales Rally GB is the final two rounds of the British Championship. Wilks, the defending Champion and Evans, the 1996 Champion, are entered in Mitsubishi Lancer‘s prepared by Chesterfield’s ADR Motorsport.

For further information please contact John Horton, National Press Officer,
Telephone: 0121 378 2828. Mobile: 07778 282899. Email: wrgb@jhmm.co.uk

PR.09. 25.11.2008.

Notes to editors:
Wales Rally GB:
Copyright-free images from the 2007 Wales Rally GB can be downloaded from;  www.worldrallypics.com/walesrallygb/

www.walesrallygb.com is the official website and provides regular news updates and a link to copyright-free images.

Since its inception in 1932 the rally has been run 63 times; this year's event will be the 64th edition. Enforced stoppages have included World War 2, Suez Crisis (1957) and Foot and Mouth (1967).

For 2008 Wales Rally GB has become the first round of the World Rally Championship to offset all its carbon emissions, including all spectator travel. The event has been awarded CarbonNeutral® event status, confirming that the event’s carbon footprint is now ‘net zero’.

Wales Rally GB is the British and final round of the 15-round FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). It is one of only four events that have retained their unbroken World Championship status since the WRC was established in 1973.

Cardiff first hosted the rally in 2000 and the Welsh Assembly Government has been the main sponsor of the event since 2003. The City and County of Swansea has provided the Service Park since 2001.

WRGB is the finale of the Tesco 99 Octane British Rally Championship (rounds six and seven) and the eighth and final round of the FIA Production World Rally Championship.

Wales Rally GB is held annually and is the UK’s biggest motor sport event. It is organised and promoted by International Motor Sports Ltd (IMS), the commercial arm of the Berkshire-based Motor Sports Association (MSA), the governing body for all UK motor sport.

Access to all 19 special stages is by ticket.  Buy tickets in advance for the best value for money:
- by calling the ticket hotline on 0844 847 2251
- online via the official website: www.walesrallygb.com
- or in person from Ticketline, 47 Westgate Street, Cardiff, CF10 1TL

Details on high quality hospitality packages can be obtained from Alyson Beach at Viking Hospitality, telephone: +44 (0)2920 766661 or e-mail: hospitality@walesrallygb.com.

Note to Radio Stations:
During the rally, a free of charge Radio service - featuring both professional and amateur drivers - will be provided by Cardiff-based Lloyd Bell Productions. For details please contact either Sam Lloyd (07811 210170) or Rupert Bell (07774 463348) or email info@lloydbell.co.uk.

Note to Picture Editors:
If you have drivers or co-drivers in your area taking part in on the event, copyright-free hi-res photographs will be available at the latest from Saturday 6th December onwards from: www.worldrallypics.com/walesrallygb

Ends.