Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 crew fights off fierce challenge as British Rally Championship season gets underway
MACHYNLLETH driver Osian Pryce and co-driver James Morgan made a stunning return to the Severn Valley Stages on Saturday, powering to victory on Welsh gravel in their Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
Pryce, who also won the event in 2024, was locked in a close battle throughout the rally but used his experience on the demanding stages to seal another memorable win on home soil.
Speaking after the event, Pryce said: “It’s so good to be back! It’s much easier coming back here with the title in hand; you can just relax and enjoy it.
“James and MEM have done a great job in getting me comfortable in this car. I think that’s been the key and you know, to set a fastest time for the first time out in the car, I’m more than happy with that.
“From my side, I’ve got a bit of work to do with my driving to get used to the car, but I’m very happy.”
The 51st Severn Valley Stages returned to the rallying calendar in spectacular fashion, acting as the curtain-raiser for the 2026 Motorsport UK British Rally Championship.
Based around Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells, the popular gravel rally attracted nearly 120 crews, with entries spanning multiple championships including the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship, Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship, HRCR Stage Masters and the TCS Plant Rally Series.
Following a busy ceremonial start in Llandrindod Wells on Friday night, competitors tackled more than 50 miles of stages, including the famous Myherin complex. Seven tests were run in total, with a gruelling 18-mile finale providing a dramatic end to the day.
Weather conditions added further difficulty, with sunshine giving way at times to snow, hail and heavy rain, making the gravel surface treacherous.
Pryce faced strong opposition from fellow Welshman and teammate Meirion Evans, co-driven by Dale Fu
rniss, who pushed hard throughout the event and finished in second place.
Garry Pearson and Hannah McKillop completed the podium in their M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2, recovering from an early spin to claim third.
Making his debut at the rally, Max McRae, son of former British Rally Championship winner Alister McRae, impressed in his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. Co-driven by Cammy Fair, he took fourth despite losing time with a puncture on the fourth stage.
Scottish Rally Championship contender Scot MacBeth, with Ross Whittock, completed the top five in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5. Liam Clark and Michael Gilbey claimed the Interclub category win and took top Welsh Championship points.
In the historic category, fans were treated to another strong performance from Marty McCormack and co-driver Barney Mitchell, who claimed back-to-back British Historic Rally Championship wins in their BMW E30 M3.
Organised by Midland Manor Motor Club, the rally’s return after a year’s break was warmly welcomed, with spectators lining the forests at Sarnau and Myherin to watch the action.
The Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod Wells once again hosted the ceremonial start and finish, proving a popular focal point for competitors and rally fans.
