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Osian Pryce talks MSA Team UK, WRC and BRC

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Welsh rally driver Osian Pryce is the latest name to join MSA Team UK, we took some time to catch up with the 22-year-old ahead of the new season.

How was the MSA Team UK experience in December and what did you learn from it?

Being asked by TeamUK was a nice thing as they don’t usually do this so it was great to have a taster of what was on offer. There was so much to take in at the workshop and that particular one help me find the answers to my unanswered questions that helped me prepare better for the season ahead.

Obviously you impressed during your time with Team UK, how does it help you now that you are part of the team?

It’s a privilege to be a part of the team. Alongside the other elite drivers from UK racing and rallying. Being a part of this means I’m in the right place to receive any knowledge from any expert in a given field, whether its driving technique, fitness advice to psychology. It’s great to work with other drivers to from a race background as they learn from us as much as we learn from them.

Your previous Citroen DS3 R3 MAX is up for sale, what are your plans for the 2016 season?

Yes, my car is up for sale due to some new plans meaning the car will be sat in the workshops doing nothing. Our plans are to contest the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy in an M-Sport prepared Fiesta R2T. Hopefully we will know a bit more by the end of February. *

MSA BRC returns for 2016, how important is the championship in developing new British talent for the world stage?

Highly important, you have only got to look and see what it did for me. I wouldn’t be where I am now of it wasnt for my years in BRC. With new rules this year, hopefully it will bring more variety to the championship, and more competition that will put you in good shape for years to come

What has been your favourite rally to compete on so far?

There are many! But the sheer speed of WRC Poland just comes out on top! The fastest rally i’ve ever done, and one of the most enjoyable. It was great to be leading for so much of the event on my first time there.

Pryce in action in Poland - Credit: Citroen Racing

Pryce in action in Poland – Credit: Citroen Racing

What is the one rally that you are looking forward to competing on in the future?

Finland! I’ve heard so many stories about it but never sampled how crazy the roads are! Cant wait to experience it that’s for sure.

Who are you rally idols?

McRae and Burns. My childhood heroes. Looked up to them so much when I was a young boy with a dream, 2 different kinds of drivers and 2 totally different approaches. But both became world champion

If you could take part in any era of rallying, what would it be?

Group B! No brainer, would have been bizarre to take part when rallying was more popular that F1

Monte-Carlo saw the launch of the new eSports tournament that will be running alongside WRC, do you have any time to play games and do you think it’s a good way to fans new and old involved with the sport?

Sadly not. Computer games aren’t my thing but things like this are great for rally fans, but not only that gamers across the world become interested in rallying as its so accessible on a computer game

Did you get chance to watch Rallye Monte-Carlo and if so what did you think of it?

Yes I watched it and I’ve watched back some on board footage. Amazing stuff. It was great to see Kris and Paul leading but it was good to see how sporting competitors are in rallying. (Where Seb tried to assist Kris when he hit trouble). Its great to watch how carefully the drive in places when conditions are bad and then flat out on dry tarmac. Such a great challenge for car & crew, as well as the important information from the ice note crew.

*Since we interviewed Pryce it has been announced that he will be competing in the upcoming Mid Wales Stages Rally with Spencer Sport in their Mitsubishi R5.

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Founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Checkered Flag who grew up visiting race circuits around the UK also a freelance motorsport PR officer. Outside of motorsport a lover of music, photography, NBA and NFL.
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