The gaps between finishers may have been larger than last year, but the series now allows maximum overall points to be applied on class performance. This system was successful in the BRC several years ago and means that the lead is a three-way tie.

With a change to asphalt suspension and driving style, the smart money would still be on Sykes for outright victory but the class-based points will make it a tactical rally, perhaps reining in his hard-charging approach.

The rally has a ceremonial start in Kelso on Friday at 4:30pm, with the 95 miles of route starting from the Charterhall airfield at 9:00am on Saturday. Twelve tricky stages separate the crews from the finish and champagne spraying back in Kelso at just after 7:00pm.

D.B. © CAPSIS International