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The return of a great rallying tradition

David Evans made his first trip to the Circuit of Ireland rally last weekend and liked what he saw, even if there were a few oddities along the way

Arriving at Belfast's International airport to be told, "We've put you in the KIA today, sir," wasn't exactly the start to the Circuit of Ireland trip I'd planned. Ordinarily, when I go to a new event, I like to drive some of the stages to get a feel for what the drivers would be talking about. And this time I'd be doing it with a car called Rio.

New event? The Circuit of Ireland might have been running since 1931 and it might be the third oldest rally in the world, but last week was my first time on this iconic rally.

In fact, it was my first crossing of the Irish Sea for a rally since the opening round of the 2009 World Rally Championship. And that's far too long since driving down some proper lanes. And drinking some proper Guinness.

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