Grapevine: McNish to Compete in Classic Rally

Renault test driver Allan McNish will get the chance to drive on home soil next month when he takes part in the Mount Stewart Classic - but his team will not give him one of their Grand Prix cars to play with.

Scot McNish, who is yet to confirm his future with Renault for next year, will head to the Isle of Bute in Scotland but rather than racing his R23 machine from 2003, he will be in a car from 1902.

"It is an honour to be able to take the car to Scotland will be very special for me," said McNish. "It's very, very different to drive from anything we see today. You actually change gear using a lever outside the cockpit but once you get going the car does have some pace. I think it has a top speed of around 45mph."

The event has been set up by the Marquis of Bute - who is better known as former Lotus driver Johnny Dumfries - and will also feature Scottish Rally star Robbie Head.