DAMIAN Cole stormed to a breathless victory last weekend in the RDP Welsh Rally.

Co-driven by Craig Drew in the Get Connected Ford Focus WRC 05, Cole came home just 2.5 seconds ahead of the Subaru Impreza WRC S12 of Peter Lloyd/Graham

Handley after 83 competitive miles of the daunting Epynt military ranges.

Cole was quickest out of the blocks on the opening 20 mile test, taking a 8.8

second lead from Lloyd, and 24 seconds up on third placed Steve Simpson. 

Over the next loop of stages they increased their lead to 15 seconds as the duo

stamped their authority on the event. 

By the time they reached the halfway point their lead had stretched to 16 seconds, and Lloyd, who has dominated Epynt events in recent times, seemed to have no answer to the flying Cole.

With just three stages remaining and a 16.4 second lead, victory was in sight, but

as Cole backed off towards the end of the event, Lloyd attacked and with

just one stage remaining the lead was down to seven seconds.   

Lloyd gave it his all on the final stage, taking another four seconds back, but it wasn't enough and left Cole/Drew victorious as they arrived back at the Brecon finish.

"That was a bit closer than we would have liked, we backed off a bit too much

on the last few stages, but it's been a great battle all day. We are very pleased to have won, Damian drove brilliantly all day," said an elated Craig. 

Next on the agenda is the Manx National Rally on the Isle of Man this coming weekend, where Cole will aim to make it two wins in as many weekends.

They will face a tough battle to overcome last year's winner and number one seed, Paul Bird, in his newer Ford Focus WRC 08."