Cornishman Matt Cotton returns to the British Rally Championship

After a break of over 3 years from international rallying and 2 years from mainstream motorsport, Cornish rally driver Matt cotton will return to the British Rally Championship (BRC) in 2012. The purchase of an ex Elfyn Evans Ford Fiesta ST in the summer of 2011, has enabled Matt to end the sabbatical from driving, which he endured in 2009 for budgetary reasons. He will contest the BRC and the Fiesta Sporting Trophy which starts on the Rallye Sunseeker in February and will compete against some of the best rising talents in British and European Rallying.

Matt said; “I`m not getting any younger so I thought I had better have another go before I really get too old”. “There will be some fierce competition in the BRC and Fiesta Trophy, so it may take a while for me to find my pace again, but I really can’t wait to get back behind the wheel”.

However, getting behind the wheel may be harder for Matt than he thinks, as his new purchase is left hand drive and he has never driven a car in anger on the opposite side before. “Aside from driving abroad on holiday, I`ve never driven a left hand drive car competitively, so I`ll be trying my best not to reach for the door handle instead of 2nd gear.”

Matt`s last outing in the BRC was in 2008 with a Citroen C2R2 in which he had mixed results, culminating in a 3rd position in the series. Having had time to recoup and raise funds for 2012, there will still be a struggle to find the required finances to complete the entire season. He says; “It’s always been tough to find a budget to complete, let alone in the British Rally Championship. But it’s what I love and enjoy so I`m doing everything I can to find the required finances. It’s just what you do”.

Matt will be co-driven by Glyn Thomas from Weston-Super-Mare who has partnered Matt only once before, on the Wyedean rally in 2009. Glyn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team from his extensive rallying career which seen him contest several British Rally Championships over the years. He is also the backstay in the support provided from Rally Collection UK, a technical partner of the team.

The Fiesta will be prepared and run by AVS Motorsport and Colin Ridgeway Motorsport in Wrexham who plan to also enter the BRC in the Teams Cup.

To keep up to date with Matt`s progress throughout the year, to read his blog which will be updated both on and off events and to see what technical and corporate partner opportunities are available with the team, simply visit www.mattcottonrallying.co.uk

You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for up to the minute news and information on Matt`s progress through the year.