Estonian ace Jurgenson scores first BRC win on Carlisle Stages

Three years ago, Romet Jurgenson hadn’t even contested a rally – but on Saturday the Estonian claimed his first British Rally Championship win with victory at the Carlisle Stages.

Buoyed by a fast-tracked career, the FIA Rally Star and Junior WRC ace’s victory in the daunting Kielder Forest further underlined the M-Sport Ford driver’s potential, setting the fastest time on all but one of the five stages to secure the top step of the podium – and his first overall win.

Returning to the BRC calendar for the first time since 2019, the Kielder stages demanded bravery and commitment. Jurgenson and co-driver Siim Oja had that in bucket loads.

Gaining a slim lead over Max McRae in the opening test, the Fiesta driver then briefly handed that advantage to round one winner William Creighton and his Toyota Yaris. But Jurgenson reclaimed the lead on Buck Fell and never looked back.

Creighton’s pace faltered after a chicane error on the penultimate test, allowing Jurgenson to pull away and comfortably manage his pace over the final stage to seal victory.

“Really happy to be honest, it finally has all come together,” Jurgenson said. “It’s a first-time victory and a really cool feeling. Hopefully, we can prove ourselves even more.”

Creighton settled for second after struggling to match Jurgenson’s speed but was eager to bag important BRC points for his campaign. Garry Pearson clinched third in his Fiesta Rally2 following a fierce battle with Keith Cronin, whose Citroen C3 Rally2 cut out on the penultimate test, ending his podium hopes.

Callum Back finished fifth in his Fiesta Rally2, with Matt Hirst rounding out the top six in his Skoda Fabia Rally2.

In the Junior BRC, Joseph Kelly’s return to the series was an impressive one, storming to his maiden victory. Kelly and co-driver James McBrearty were unbeatable in their Peugeot 208 Rally4, winning every stage and building a solid lead over Kyle McBride, until the latter retired after a puncture and a roll on SS4.

Jack Brennan inherited second, while Kalum Graffin took third after Sam Mason retired within sight of the final control.