Le Bonniec and navigator Richard Hollick’s Ford Escort WRC holds the advantage over second-placed John Morgan of Wales in his Mitsubishi Evo 6.In third spot is the defending champion, Jersey’s Dean Le Bailly in his Ford Escort RS 1600, alongside navigator Simon Bertie Roberts.Barring mechanical problems the winner is highly likely to come from the leading three, with today’s stages having been scheduled to start at around 8 am in St Ouen, followed by routes in St Brelade, Trinity and St John.Last night proved heavy going on the cars and there were 16 withdrawn at one point last night, although hard work throughout the night should see a good proportion of them rejoining the fray.
The scrutineering base at the Connex Dept, La Collette, was certainly busy this morning.
Jersey contestant Richard Lightfoot and his navigator Sue Freeman spent an anxious night changing the engine in their Food Fayre Escort 16000, but their efforts seem to have borne fruit.The other leading drivers were as follows: 4, Paul Le Marquand/ Gaynor Jubb (Jersey) Ford Escort RS; 5, Jeremey Baudains/Ian Blandin (Jersey) Ford Escort Mk2 – Class leader); 6, Kenny Cabral/Ron Allen (Jersey) Ford Escort Mk2 – 2nd in Class); 7, Mark Syvret/Chris Fox (Jersey) Ford Escort Mk2 2000; 8, Mark Follain/Dave Powell (Jersey) Ford Escort RS 1600); 9, Paul Adams (Jersey)/Ian Crafer (UK) Ford Escort Mk1.
