Brave rally-driver Yates defies problems in his '˜hardest race'

In his second world championship event during the month, the 24-year-old suffered a frustrating chain of events in his Brettex Ford Fiesta R5 at the notoriously tough four-day Dayinsure Wales Rally. These included alternator belt failure, which sidelined the car at one point.

But he still managed to make it over the finish ramp at Llandudno in 40th place overall and 20th in his category after what was a real character-building test in his career progression.

“It was the hardest, most tiring event I have ever done,” said Yates. “Everything was thrown at us, and we only really had one ‘clean’day when everything went to plan. But I was pleased to make it to the finish. I went there to learn, and that’s exactly what I have done.”