NEIL Simpson put in a textbook performance on his first attempt at the Barum Czech Rally Zlín to finish a trouble-free 11th in his Simpsons Škoda Fabia S2000.

Co-driven by Claire Mole, Neil’s strategy of pushing hard when conditions were good and being careful in the muddy and bumpy sections paid dividends, as he used all his experience to bring the Fabia S2000 home to another excellent FIA European Rally Championship result.

In the strong 121 car field, Neil’s Pirelli-shod Fabia S2000 consistently set top 20 stage times on the demanding stages, with a 13th fastest best on SS6 and SS15.

In front of huge crowds of spectators, the 42-year old ŠKODA dealer principal from Clitheroe in Lancashire moved up from 21st position after the opening stage, as the three-day event unfolded on the fast and rollercoaster roads in the beautiful Moravian countryside.

Sepp Wiegand (Germany) finished second in a factory Fabia S2000 and lies second in the ERC, 19 points behind team-mate Esapekka Lappi.

Entwistle said: “We said before the start that our priority was to finish, and we’ve stuck to our plan and done exactly that.

“We would have been extremely pleased with a top 15 finish, so to finish 11th is fantastic – especially against all the leading European Rally Championship contenders and so many local drivers who are also extremely quick.

“The Barum Czech Rally Zlín has been really enjoyable, yet it’s also been one of the most difficult rallies I’ve ever done, but I couldn’t really be happier with our strategy, performance and result – it’s been a great event.”