Kris Meeke to make European Rally Championship return in Wales

Kris Meeke will make a shock return to the FIA European Rally Championship in the series’ penultimate round at Rali Ceredigion in Wales next month.

The five-time World Rally Championship event winner is set to pilot a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 at the asphalt rally from 4-6 September. The rally will be the Northern Irishman’s first ERC appearance since Rally Poland in 2006 when he and co-driver Glenn Patterson finished 10th overall, driving a Citroen C2 R2 car.

Meeke’s entry has also been made possible through the support of several local businesses connected with the rally.

“I wanted to try to do the last two rounds of ERC,” said Meeke, who will be co-driven by Noel O’Sullivan. “It’s a big thanks to all my sponsors who’ve helped me out again, especially KES and the local sponsors, and of course, thanks to everyone for supporting me and making it possible; it’s very exciting.

"I’m hopeful, but I don’t underestimate the challenge with guys like Teemu Suninen, who’s been rallying every weekend...but I’m excited for the challenge and a big thanks to everyone that has made it possible. Let’s see what happens.”

In recent seasons the 47-year-old has been a regular competing in the Portuguese national championship, winning the title in 2024, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 car.

Last year he drove a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 to second in the championship behind fellow WRC rally winner Dani Sordo.

This year Meeke has remained active in rallying and recently won the Donegal International Rally in June.

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