PREVIEW / BRANDS HATCH WINTER STAGES 2025

WORDS & PHOTOS BY: ROB SAYER

Protyre Circuit Rally Championship Round 4 Preview: The Countdown to Brands Hatch Begins

The wait is almost over as the Protyre Circuit Rally Championship roars into 2025 with its fourth round, held at the iconic Brands Hatch circuit in the picturesque ‘Garden of England.’ Known for its thrilling layout and electrifying atmosphere, the stage is set for an unmissable day of rally action with drivers tackling over 35 miles of competitive stages.

Xlerate will be on-site to bring you all the updates but before the engines fire up, here’s a look at some key driver pairings that are sure to set the stages alight:

John & Alex Stone (Polo GTi R5):

The championship leaders, sitting 11 points clear at the top, have built their campaign on consistency. Their Polo GTi R5 has been rock-solid so far but the question remains: can they keep their rivals at bay and extend their lead on the challenging Brands Hatch stages?

John Griffiths & Emma Morrison (Skoda Fabia Rally2):

With back-to-back wins under their belt, Griffiths and Morrison are hitting their stride in the Fabia Rally2. Their recent form makes them strong contenders and with their new machinery now fully dialed in, they’ll surely be looking to make it three wins in a row.

Rhys & James Yates (Renault Clio RS):

Former European and World Rally Championship driver Rhys Yates joins forces with his brother James for this round. Piloting a Renault Clio RS, their experience and talent bring an exciting wildcard element to the event and they’ll undoubtedly draw plenty of attention.

Michael Igoe & Will Atkins (Citroen C3 Rally2):

Last year’s champions are back with a point to prove. After a disappointing DNF in round 2, Igoe and Atkins will be determined to claw their way back up the standings. Having already won at Brands Hatch before, they know what it takes to conquer this circuit and will be hungry for victory.

With such a competitive lineup and the prestigious Brands Hatch circuit as the backdrop, round 4 of the Protyre Circuit Rally Championship promises to deliver plenty of drama and action. Don’t miss it!