Adrien Fourmaux made it five wins from five starts to clinch the coveted Motorsport UK British Rally Championship title with a dominant victory on last weekend’s Trackrod Rally Yorkshire [22 – 23 September].

Having stepped down from the FIA World Rally Championship to gain more experience, the M-Sport factory ace – together with fellow French co-driver Alexandre Coria – has totally dominated this year’s BRC clinching the crown with one round remaining on the calendar.

In taking the title aboard his Ford Fiesta Rally2, Fourmaux has added his name the illustrious roster of past BRC champions which includes Colin McRae, Richard Burns, Stig Blomqvist, Ari Vatanen and Elfyn Evans.

“What a fantastic season in the BRC and it is really nice for me to have my name alongside so many famous names on the trophy,” enthused the new champion. “We can be really proud of what we have done this season and I have really enjoyed coming to Britain and competing on so many different events.

“Five wins is a nice feeling actually and the team have done such a good job on the car. We came here for time in the car and to try some new things and it has worked really well. I have really enjoyed my time in the championship and actually, it’s been a tough season, I am happy to win the trophy.”

Unlike many national rally championships, the BRC offers drivers the rare opportunity to compete on a mix of asphalt and gravel events. This not only provided Fourmaux (and others) with a wide range of challenges but also the perfect proving ground for the multi-surface FIA World Rally Championship.

Adding to the celebrations in Yorkshire, Northern Ireland’s Alan Carmichael retained his National Rally Title after a rollercoaster of a season in his Hyundai i20.

Now, with the overall BRC and the National Rally Title decided, the focus switches to the runners-up spots and the Junior BRC crown at the final round of the season, the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally at the end of October. And with double points available, there are many permutations still on the table.

Garry Pearson and co-driver Daniel Barritt equalled their best performance of the season not only to keep the pressure on Fourmaux in Yorkshire, but also to finish an impressive second in what was their first Volkswagen Polo GTi outing on gravel. They are now in pole position in the battle for ‘best of the rest’ honours as the teams head to north Wales.

Among the Junior BRC contingent, Kyle McBride and Liam McIntyre bounced back from a rally ending off at Rali Ceredigion to take a maiden class win in their Fiesta Rally4 on the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire. Maximum points ensures they are still firmly in the 2023 title fight, locked in a two-horse race with Kyle White’s Peugeot 208 Rally4.