Derek Tohill has returned to the European Rallycross Championship in a brand new Division Two rear wheel drive Ford Fiesta Mk.7.  Derek, who is the only Irishman to have won a European Championship event, made a big impact in the championship in 2008 but sat out the 2009 calendar.

He spent last year formulating his plans for this season, while also keeping his hand in by competing in Irish and UK events. The new 2010 Rallycross Rebels team Fiesta was built by Ingvar Gunnarson Motorsport in Sweden, with Derek and the team having a big input into all aspects of the design and specification.

Round 1 of this years Championship took place in Portugal and Derek over came some technical problems in the heats to qualify for the “A” final and finish in an excellent 3rd place. In the second round in Kerlabo in North France in front of 35,000 spectators, Derek finished 5th overall and clearly showed his pace in beating last years champion to victory in one of the heats.  

Derek, who is a Director of Rathgar and Southside Motor Factors, is now placed third in the championship after the first two events and says he has been delighted at his team’s performance against many more experienced RWD teams. You can follow Derek’s progress this season on Motors TV.