Mission accomplished for media stars

It was a case of mission accomplished for Formula One broadcasters Tony Jardine and Maurice Hamilton when they achieved their objective of finishing the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland, round three of the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Jardine and Hamilton, who shared a Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, finished ninth in the IRC Production Cup in 23rd overall following a handful of minor delays.

Afterwards, co-driver Hamilton admitted to finding the asphalt event tough going. He said: “Not having competed for 18 months, it took me until Saturday to really get my head back into gear in the car. With obstacles such as telegraph poles, gate posts, grassy banks and narrow bridges, it is more stop go than when competing on a forest stage, and is physically very tough.”