Rallying programme launches with Cambrian
Yokohama support for fourth consecutive season
Jersey to work with Guernsey as Will Rutherford confirmed as co-driver
Twenty-year-old Ed Fossey will get his season underway with the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally this weekend (16 February). The Yokohama driver will set about building further experience with a selected programme of events throughout 2019 in his Peugeot 208 R2.
After claiming back-to-back National rallying titles on both gravel and tarmac, Fossey has elected to use the upcoming calendar year to expand his rallying knowledge whilst balancing his final year studies at Bournemouth University.
The carefully selected calendar will see the Jerseyman tackle six events this season with a full range of surfaces on offer to expand the Channel Islander’s experience further, with a view to contest a full, high-profile series in 2020.
As well as a full-year of rallying to look forward to, Fossey’s services have once again been retained by global tyre brand Yokohama for a fourth year in a row. Ed will push the Japanese products to the limits in the search for impressive stage times and class wins.
Ed will kick off his year in Wales, with the Cambrian Rally – one of the most popular events in the UK. The Llandudno-based event’s popularity status has been bolstered even further in 2019 as the British Rally Championship kicks of its season on the famous Welsh stages. Ed will go toe-to-toe with some of the best young drivers in the country on stages last used on Britain’s round of the World Rally Championship back in October.
Normally competing against each other in sport, Jerseyman Fossey will be joined in the French machine by Guernsey-resident Will Rutherford – a double rally co-driver champion himself. The highly-experienced Rutherford will co-drive the young charger for the majority of the season after a successful first partnership on the Jersey Rally last year.
Q/A with Ed Fossey ahead of his 2019 season
What an array of events. What made you choose them?
“For 2019, it was all about selecting the right events. Whilst I focus on achieving the best degree I can at Bournemouth University, it was important to go and try some different events and build the experience as we look towards a big championship assault in 2020.
“I have quite a bit of experience on Tarmac so it is important to keep up that pace but also do some top quality gravel events to progress on all surfaces. The Cambrian will see me rallying against some really quick competition and I’m sure that will also raise my game.”
How does it feel to have support from Yokohama for a fourth season?
“We have built-up a great relationship and it gives me a massive confidence boost going into every season, and for them to see something in me and believe in my development and programme is inspiring. Yokohama is a big brand and to represent them is something I take great pride in and I hope we can share some more success together in 2019.”
A Jerseyman and Guernseyman working together?
I have to forget that! In all seriousness it doesn’t matter where Will is from as it’s all about doing the best job in the car. When we worked together on the Jersey Rally last year it clicked straight away. Will is a top navigator and has helped me with the psychological approach to rallying, which I didn’t fully appreciate beforehand. I trust him completely and with his experience and past championship wins, I think he will help take me to another level, so I am looking forward to seeing where we can go.”
Unfinished business on the Jersey Rally?
“Absolutely we have unfinished business! Last year will always be an event I look back on in the future and wonder what might have been. To be running in the top five in an underpowered car compared to the top runners proved I can run at a strong pace and hold my own – so I am looking forward to coming back in October to try and get that finish. A top-ten would be nice but why not aim higher? I am fired-up for the year ahead and looking forward to getting back in the car. It will be nice to get some strong results before returning to my home rally.”
Ed Fossey Rally Calendar for 2019
Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally (North Wales) – 16th February
Corbeau Seats Clacton Rally (Essex) – 28th April
Nicky Grist Stages (Mid Wales) – 13th July
Eventsigns Woodpecker Rally (Shropshire) – 31st August
Rally Yorkshire Trackrod Rally (Yorkshire) – 28th September
Roberts Garage Jersey Rally (Jersey) – 11th-12th October
