Rising star Fisher prepares for an IRC double

Alastair Fisher will contest two rounds of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2012, April’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally and the GEKO Ypres Rally in Belgium in late June.

The 23-year-old, ranked as one of the United Kingdom’s most promising talents for the future, will drive an M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 on the two Tarmac rounds having shone on a one-off outing in the series on RACMSA Rally of Scotland last season (pictured).

He said: “It’s great to secure the backing to compete in major rallies in a proven car driving with a prestigious team. We worked with M-Sport very successfully last year and they are really focused on preparing a winning car for the forthcoming events."

Fisher finished eighth overall in Scotland last October following early delays. A recorded a string of top-five stage times to underline his potential.

“The Circuit of Ireland gives me an opportunity to compete on my home event and compare my pace against the top drivers from the IRC," said Fisher. "The Ypres Rally is a prestigious event and gaining experience on such challenging roads will be invaluable.”