“We enjoyed a good clean run on the opening round and stayed out of trouble and got a deserved result at the end” explained Rob, “This weekend we need more of the same as the competition is only going to get tougher as the season progresses and points early on are important. You have also got to remember this is Nick’s first full season of stage rallying and he is only going to get quicker as he gets miles under his belt.”

As a still new pairing, they also contested the Malcolm Wilson Rally at the start of March away from championship pressures to achieve more car time. This was rewarded with an event finish at least, although perhaps not the result they were hoping for due to driver illness and running on used tyres. Nonetheless the extra experience will still serve them well heading into this weekend and the season itself.

Following the event, the Pirelli / Genpower UK / Autoglym / Millers Oils and Nicky Grist backed Fiesta has undergone an extensive re-prep back at Carnforth (Lancershire) based TEG Sport to ensure that the car is in the best condition possible for this weekend.

The team have also received the good news of a new sponsor with the announcement they will receive support from Cannon Tech. (Scotland) for the remainder of the season, an opportunity that Rob has worked closely on.

“It is always great to welcome a new sponsor but even more so when they seem as excited about the partnership as you are,” explained Rob. “We have had a number of discussions both face to face and over the phone about how they could help us out this season and to see them come to fruition is great. Their support is really going to help this year, not least to relieve some of the financial pressure on the team.”

Rob has also recently received personal backing from local Isle of Man company Synergy IT, support which is invaluable as he looks to cover his costs of travelling to and from the island to contest the events which make up the championship season.

Along with those of present partners, the Cannon Tech. (Scotland) and Synergy IT logos will be for all to see as the Bulldog International Rally of North Wales gets underway on Friday evening with a Ceremonial Start in Welshpool where crews will meet the general public prior to the event proper getting underway on Saturday around 07:30. In wait for the crews are some of the best forest stages the UK has to offer including classics in Dyfi, Dynant and Gartheniog.

Following the 80 competitive stage miles the crews will battle over, the winner will be know as they return to Welshpool around 7pm. The crews progress can be followed at www.bulldog-rally.co.uk

Rob is supported in 2011 by Cannon Tech. (Scotland) Ltd (www.cannontech.co.uk), Robert Graham & Co Quantity Surveyors, Synergy IT (www.synergyit.co.im), Cable Design Services (www.cdsl.net), Holton Homes (www.holtonhomes.co.uk), Nicky Grist Motorsport (www.nickygrist.com) and Fastime Stopwatches (www.astopwatch.com)