JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion 2024: ERC and BRC Showdowns

The 2024 JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion marked a thrilling weekend of rallying, bringing the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) to Wales for the first time in 28 years. Hayden Paddon led the event from start to finish, showcasing his asphalt prowess across the stages. Meanwhile, the battle for British Rally Championship (BRC) points added drama, with title contenders jostling for position and facing setbacks throughout the event.

FIA European Rally Championship (ERC): Paddon’s Unstoppable Victory

Friday: Taking the Lead in Qualifying and Street Stages

Hayden Paddon set the pace from the get-go in Friday’s qualifying session in Cwmerfyn. His time, 1.8 seconds faster than ERC title rival Mathieu Franceschi, earned him the crucial first-road position for Saturday’s stages.

The evening saw the rally kick off in earnest with two street stages in Aberystwyth, where Paddon once again dominated. Narrow and technical, the 1.34km route saw Andrea Mabellini come closest, but Paddon still finished the day with a slim 1.3-second lead over the competition. The event had already set the stage for an intense battle across the weekend, with drivers like Mikołaj Marczyk, Chris Ingram, and Franceschi close behind, ready to challenge for a podium position.

Saturday: Paddon Extends Lead in the Welsh Moorlands

Saturday’s stages took the competitors out of Aberystwyth and into the rugged Welsh countryside, where Paddon put on a masterclass. He won five out of six stages, including the new ETT Trailers Brechfa and Signature Systems Llyn Brianne stages, pushing his lead to over a minute. Paddon’s experience, combined with his impeccable car setup, allowed him to thrive on the twisty, unpredictable roads of the moorlands. Meanwhile, his rivals faced challenges that kept them from mounting a serious threat.

Simone Tempestini, who had been running in third, faced mechanical issues that dropped him down the order, while Chris Ingram found it difficult to match Paddon’s speed. Ingram and Franceschi remained in the fight for second, but Paddon’s clean and calculated approach made it clear that his competitors were racing for positions behind him.

Local hero James Williams delivered a moment of magic for Welsh fans by winning the day’s opening Brechfa stage. He became the only driver to beat Paddon all day, finishing 4.2 seconds ahead. However, his rally came to an abrupt end shortly afterward when he crashed his Hyundai i20 N Rally2 on Llyn Brianne.

By the close of Saturday, Paddon had extended his lead to 1m18.7s. The battle for second, however, remained tight, with Franceschi, Ingram, and Mabellini separated by mere seconds. The drama was building toward a tense finale on Sunday.

Sunday: Paddon Seals Victory Amid Wet Conditions

The final leg of Rali Ceredigion took place under rain-soaked conditions, making the already tough roads even more treacherous. The two passes through the Bethania and Hafod stages proved to be game-changers. While Paddon played it safe, aiming to maintain his comfortable lead, the action behind him intensified.

Chris Ingram, who had been holding onto second place, was the first casualty, losing control of his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 on a fast right-hander, crashing out of the rally. Soon after, Keith Cronin followed suit, rolling his Ford Fiesta Rally2 on the same stage. With two of his closest competitors out, Paddon’s path to victory became clear.

Images courtesy of Alex Stefan and Rob Sayer

Andrea Mabellini capitalized on the retirements to move into second overall, edging out Franceschi by just 3.5 seconds. Mikołaj Marczyk finished fourth, missing the podium by only 3.7 seconds.

Despite the wet conditions, Paddon brought his Hyundai home safely, securing his second consecutive Rali Ceredigion victory with a 1m47.3s winning margin. The win marked a critical moment in Paddon’s ERC campaign, solidifying his position at the top of the standings.

British Rally Championship (BRC): Title Race Heats Up Across Two Rounds

Round 5: Saturday’s Drama

Saturday’s stages were also crucial for the BRC, with drivers battling for Round 5 points. Chris Ingram, consistent and careful, took the maximum points, leading the BRC standings despite winning only one stage.

His cautious strategy paid off, as his rivals faltered through a mix of mechanical issues and punctures. Ingram’s clean driving left him ahead of Keith Cronin, who finished 11 seconds behind, and Osian Pryce in third.

Jon Armstrong delivered some of the best individual performances of the day, winning five of the six afternoon stages. However, an earlier puncture meant he couldn’t challenge Ingram for the top spot, settling for fourth in the BRC standings. The day also saw disappointment for James Williams, who had briefly moved into second place in the BRC standings after his Brechfa stage win, only to crash out on Llyn Brianne.

Round 6: High-Stakes Sunday and Championship Twists

Sunday’s four-stage leg served as Round 6 of the BRC, and it brought with it a major shake-up in the championship standings. Chris Ingram, poised to claim another maximum points haul and extend his championship lead, crashed out early, wrecking his hopes of securing the title in Wales. Keith Cronin, who had been perfectly placed to capitalize on Ingram’s misfortune, also crashed out later in the day, rolling his Fiesta Rally2.

Jon Armstrong seized the opportunity to move into the lead, setting the fastest times across the remaining stages. However, in a selfless move to support his teammate William Creighton, Armstrong chose to check in late at the final time control, incurring a 20-second penalty that handed Creighton the win.

This tactical decision by Armstrong allowed Creighton to score the maximum points for the day, putting him just one point ahead of Ingram in the overall championship standings. The strategic choices and dramatic exits from Ingram and Cronin left the championship wide open heading into the final round at Cambrian Rally.

Conclusion: A Rally for the Ages

The 2024 JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion delivered drama, excitement, and heartbreak in equal measure. Hayden Paddon’s masterful performance on the Welsh stages underscored his status as one of the top drivers in the ERC, as he secured a commanding win with a near-perfect display.

Images courtesy of Rob Sayer and Alex Stefan

For the BRC, the rally saw the title fight turned on its head, with tactical plays and dramatic retirements leaving the championship on a knife edge as it heads toward its final round at the Cambrian Rally.