NEIL Simpson leads the British Rally Championship's Diesel Cup after a successful debut on the Vauxhall Rally of Wales.

The 27-year-old Colne driver, partnered by Cumbrian Steve Martin, finished the gruelling event 24th overall and 11th in the F2 class.

Their Greenergy-backed Volkswagen Golf TDi crossed the Wrexham finish line just 15 minutes behind winner David Higgins - the first time a diesel-engined car had contested a round of Britain's premier rally series.

"It was a remarkable result for us, especially as we only had time for 15 minutes of pre-event testing," said Neil.

"On the first day we had a problem on nearly every stage, ranging from punctures to lighting failure to traction problems. So we feel that we have achieved a lot just by getting to the finish."

The treacherous conditions in the Welsh forest favoured the four wheel-drive runners, Higgins' Subaru Impreza was the first 4WD winner of a British Championship round for three years.

"It was very, very slippery and that went against us on this rally. But what we have learned is that the car is hugely better all round than the old one, so I'm very hopeful for future events."

Simpson result in Wales was just one of three celebrations for Volkswagen.

For not only did team leader Mark Higgins achieve a remarkable third place among the BRC-eligible runners on his maiden outing in the new Golf GTi, but his Volkswagen team mate Raimund Baumschlager put in a strong performance to finish 14th overall.

Overall results - 1: David Higgins/Chris Patterson (Subaru Impreza Gp N) 2 hrs 22min 0.4 secs; 2: Martin Rowe/Derek Ringer (Renault Megane 2:22:13.4; 3: Tapio Laukkanen/Kaj Lindstrom (Megane) 22:22:27.6; 4: Dom Buckley/Neil Ewing (Mitsubishi Lancer Gp N) 2:24:57.5; 5:Mark Higgins/Bryan Thomas (Golf GTi) 2:24:57.5; 6: Jarmo Kytolehto/Arto Kapanen (Vauxhall Astra) 2:26:59.7; 24: Neil Simpson/Steve Martin (Golf TDi) 2:37:45.1

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