Bird and Windress won the rally by almost one minute in the Ford Focus

Paul Bird and co-driver Ian Windress were fastest in 10 of the 15 stages to win the Manx Telecom Rally on Saturday in changeable conditions.

The Penrith rally driver finally achieved his ambition following eight attempts at winning the event.

Bird said: "You have to battle the elements as well as the competition on the Isle of Man.

"I've been so close so many times and I thought I'd maybe never win this rally but I'm absolutely made up."

Bird and Windress won the rally by almost a minute from Melvyn Evans and Sean Mulally with Roger Duckwroth and Mark Broomfield third.

George Collister and Janet Craine were the best locals in an impressive sixth place.

Results, 9 May

Manx Telecom Rally

1. Paul Bird/Ian Windress (Ford Focus WRC) 07 1:27:59.5

2. Melvyn Evans/Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC S11) 1:28:56.4

3. Roger Duckworth/Mark Broomfield (Subaru Impreza WRC) 1:29:29.3

6. George Collister/Janet Craine (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 3) 1:33:43.6

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