Renault to compete as manufacturer in 2012 British Rally Championship

It has been thirteen years since we last saw Renault competing in the BRC as a manufacturer, when they won the Championship in 1999 for the second year in a row. Renault UK has announced that it is back for 2012 to contest the newly reinstated 2-wheel drive title.

The British Manufacturer‘s Rally Championship has been brought back to allow registered manufacturers and UK importers with homologated two-wheel-drive cars to vie for the title of British Champion.

Renault will be signed up as a promotional partnership and whilst manufacturers could still choose to run a works team, the two highest-placed privateer Renault cars will still score top points for the Manufacturer’s Championship.

Omagh man, Mark Donnelly scored two podium finishes in the two-litre, 250bhp Clio R3 last year and is due a 'supported' drive in this year's BRC.

Jeremy Townsend from Renault's PR office commented:, “Renault has a long and very successful motor sport heritage and the announcement today adds to the commitment we have in the UK to our national championships.”

BRC Manager Mark Taylor reinforced the decision to move to two-wheel drive cars: "With the vast majority of car makes having two wheel drive road-cars, it means the potential for close competition is much greater than before. It also benefits the drivers who score points, as they will gain additional recognition via the association with the marque."