Holder to make his Rally GB debut

The Wales Rally GB is the final round of the World Rally Championship

Herefordshire rally driver Stephen Holder is to make his Wales Rally GB debut - but only after an anxious wait for his international licence.

Subaru-driver Holder told BBC Hereford & Worcester that it had been an 11th-hour decision to enter the event.

"We've only done six rallies this year and we thought 'let's go for it and do Rally GB'," he said.

"I only had the international licence come through on Monday, so it's all last minute, but I'm glad we're here."

I didn't really enjoy the reccie because it was so icy you couldn't drive the second run at the speed that you wanted to

Stephen Holder

Holder, who will be partnered by co-driver Steve McPhee, admits they are only taking part at all because he has managed to buck the recent economic trend.

"I've had a very good year with work - work equals money, which equals rallying," he said.

"From when I was a kid, I've always wanted to do this event, so to do it is just great."

Holder and his support team have been putting in the ground work in the build up to the rally, but he admits the preparations have been far from ideal.

"I didn't really enjoy the reccie because it was so icy you couldn't drive the second run at the speed that you wanted to," he said.

"I'm really grateful that it's gone mild and wet now - I don't mind the wet, but I don't want ice and snow."