Tom Cave is heading back to the Prestone MSA British Rally Championship for 2017 as he looks to go one better in his Ford Fiesta R5 prepared by Dom Buckley Motorsport alongside co-driver James Morgan.
Cave took second place in the championship behind the unstoppable Elfyn Evans but is still in search of a four-wheel-drive victory in the BRC, the 25-year-old took four podiums throughout 2016.
“Last year was successful,” said Cave. “To finish second behind Elfyn was the best we could have hoped for and beyond all expectations. This time last year we had to learn everything – a new team, new car and new co-driver.
“We couldn’t live with Elfyn and Fredrik [Ahlin] initially but, as I gelled with the team and James, the results started to come. By the Scottish we really started to get into our stride and we were outright second best and showed good pace right up to the end of the season.”
“I think I can fight at the front once again. We have not done a full event since September but I did a small test in January and it felt like I had not been away. I feel very comfortable and I am ready for a fight on the Border Counties. I have done a lot of rallies in the Fiesta R5 and I have all the ingredients to compete for the win and come back with a bang.”
Credit: Nick Smith / The Image Team
The off-season has seen Cave switch from Spencer Sport to Dom Buckley Motorsport, but the Welshman had kind words about his former team.
“I would like to thank Spencer Sport for all their support last year. To work with Charlie and Jamie Jukes and help bring a new team into the BRC was a great challenge. To take four podiums together I think shows the level of success we achieved, but unfortunately we couldn’t agree terms this year. I wish them well for the future and I look forward to working with Dom Buckley and his team this year.”
“It looks like the BRC will be well supported once again and it’s an excellent proving ground for young drivers. Elfyn has proved that. The level of competition this year is destined to provide some great battles, so I’m delighted to continue to be involved.”
