UNOFFICIAL LEADERBOARD AFTER STAGE 1

1st (5) Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Impreza WRC) 2.44

(6) Austin McHale/Brian Murphy (Corolla WRC) 2.44

3rd (10) Derek McGarrity/Adrian Foley (Subaru WRC) 2.47

(7) Frank Meagher/Dermot O'Gorman (Focus) 2.47

5th (9) Daniel & Michael Doherty (Subaru WRC) 2.49

(23) Ollie O'Donovan/David Moynihan (Legacy) 2.49

7th (17) Peadar Hurson/Ian Porter (Celica) 2.50

8th (4) Patrick Snijers/Willie McKee (Impreza N) 2.51

(12) Denis Biggerstaff/Robin McCandless (6R4) 2.51

(20) Michael Barrable/Alan Binley (Celica) 2.51

11th (8) James Cullen/Dr James McDaid (Subaru WRC) 2.52

(18) Johnny O'Sullivan/Pat Cashman (Escort WRC) 2.52

As can be seen above it is very tight at the front of this World Masters at Punchestown with Andrew Nesbitt and Austin McHale tied for the lead after the first stage. Nesbitt finished the test very worried about his Impreza's clutch.."It feels as if it may not last the day, it's fingers crossed. It is very slippy out there, I think more gravel than the last time, but otherwise we went well". McHale was pleased enough with his run and looking very determined to go for a big result here today. But wheere is Richard Burns and Freddy Loix?? The two World Championship drivers have decided not to take times today, they have celebrity co drivers on board, and they are here really for a demonstration. Richard Burns had journalist Vincent Hoggan co driving that first run and said "Good fun, it is quite gravelly, but good". Freddy Loix joked at the end of the stage "This is my best ever co driver (Amanda Worthington) - she thinks I'm wonderful, fantastic!"

Other stories include...Frank Meagher remarking "I have the steering changed for today, it is tighter, and I think I was a bit hairy". Daniel Doherty told us that he lost a couple of seconds when he went off line. Derek McGarrity felt that he had "more to come". James Cullen's Subaru had some small clutch problem on the familiarisation run, it all seems sorted now, although James feels that the gearbox is just a little noisy. He went on to compliment his co driver, Dr James McDaid, saying "He is really enjoying his run, and although we do not have pace notes I can see the way he's going it would be no bother from him to read them". Peadar Hurson was off the road briefly and lost a few seconds, so he could be worth watching later on today. Johnny O'Sullivan reports his Escort WRC's steering "a bit notchy". Michael Barrable was another to have a good run considering he has not been in the rally car since December, and he flew home from his holidays to appear here today. Michael reports a small clutch problem with his Celica and the mechanics may change it between runs. Patrick Snijers was the fastest gpN driver, he is really enjoying his first run in this car, although the handbrake isn't working quite right for him - co driver Willie McKee joked "We went that hard over the jump I thought my head was coming off my shoulders". Roy White in the FESP gpN Lancver recorded a time of 2.58 - Roy has celebrity co driver Pamela Ballantine in the hot seat and is using today as a familiarisation exercise to get back into the groove with his rebuilt car, which was damaged on Ypres Rally. Kevin Barrett was very happy with his run and is lying just outside leaderboard on 2.57. More news later..BRIAN & LIZ PATTERSON