Woodburn finishes seventh after rival spins on day two

Running as part of a 180 strong field on day one Woodburn, from Morecambe, and Yates made a steady start on wet and slippery gravel stages.

Having played their ‘joker’ which would see them score double points at the finish, the duo were able to run at a competitive pace.

Setting stage times that consistently placed them in the BRC top 10, Woodburn and Yates combined well to sit eighth at the overnight halt.

Switching to tarmac for the second day, the notoriously tricky roads over the Epynt military ranges saw the pair find more confidence and increase their pace, on occasion being within five seconds of eventual winner Elfyn Evans.

While that increased performance was making inroads to the crews in front, it appeared the crew would have to content themselves with their eighth place, however a costly spin for Jamie Anderson elevated them up a spot and into their best finish of the season so far.

It also saw Woodburn, who enjoys backing from the Lakeland Motor Museum and the adjoining Café Ambio, finish as the best co-driver under 25 and gain plenty of confidence ahead of the next round of the championship which takes place on the fast, narrow lanes of Northern Ireland with August’s Rally Ulster.