BRITISH Championship leaders Daniel Barritt and David Higgins are confident that won't need the luck of the Irish when they contest this weekend's Ulster Rally.

Fresh from their victory on the Kwai Chou Rally in China, the in-form pair will be relishing the chance to demonstrate their skills on the province's closed tarmac roads.

"We were the quickest British Championship crew last time out on the all-asphalt Jim Clark Rally," explained Daniel, who lives in Hapton.

"That is our plan for Ulster, even though we missed the following round on the Isle of Man because of our Chinese commitments.

"But there are a lot of very quick, very experienced Irish crews out there, so we will be more than happy to finish in the top three of the British contingent and keep ahead of the chasing pack."

Barritt and Higgins are seeded at car three in their SGP-prepared Hyundai Accent WRC, with Yorkshireman Jonny Milner, who is just 14 points behind in the title race, snapping at their heels at car four.

"It will be my first time on the Ulster since 1999," added Higgins. "I have never had much luck on the rally in the past, but this year could be different. It's always a great contest and the combination of unpredictable weather and tight road conditions leave little room for error.

The Answercall Direct Ulster Rally comprises of 135 miles of stages split into two legs, starting and finishing in Armagh.