WEATHER is likely to play a decisive role in the outcome of this year’s Rally Wales GB.

That’s the view of East Lancashire’s leading navigator, Daniel Barritt, who is competing in the four-day event alongside Japanese driver Fumio Nutahara.

Sub-zero temperatures this week have carpeted the Welsh forests in a blanket of snow and ice, which could make the outcome something of a lottery.

Barritt, from Barrowford, and Nutahara are contesting the Production World Championship, which runs in conjunction with the main rally, in a factory-backed Mitsubishi Evo IX.

And the pair have been taking part in the official reconnaissance of the stages this week, and described the conditions as a complete “white-out”.

“The roads are just sheet ice covered in a thick layer of snow, which made the recce very, very difficult,” explained Daniel, 27.

“The problem comes because all the PWRC crews have to use a “control” tyre, designed to help cut costs and reduce unfair advantage.

“But the tyres are completely useless in snow, and my fear is that the organisers may have to cancel some of the stages because the cars simply don’t have the grip to drive safely.

“It’s much worse than the conditions on the last round, Rally Japan, and the organisers were forced to scrub several stages.”

Whatever happens, Barritt, who is acknowledged as one of Britain’s top rally co-drivers, is determined to finish the season – and possibly his partner-ship with the 45-year-old former Japanese champion – on a high note.

“This could be my last outing with the team. We’ve been together for three years, and there are no firm plans for 2009 at the moment,” he explained.

“We’ve had a fairly good season and are currently seventh in the PWRC standings, but the competition is getting tougher and tougher.

“There are some very quick young drivers now as it is a recognised route onto the main world championship stage.

“If it’s my last rally with them, it would be terrible anti-climax to retire halfway round. I really want to make it to the finish ramp in Cardiff and celebrate in style.”