Matt Edwards steps up to top class in BRC for Ulster Rally

Edwards sealed the BRC 2 title on the Nicky Grist Stages earlier this month in his production-spec Mitsubishi Lancer E9. He's now secured a deal to drive the Fiesta in the remaining two rounds of this year's championship ahead of a full-scale attack on the title in 2017.

"It's a big relief," said the 31-year-old of the opportunity. "I've put everything I've had into this for so many years.

"I haven't achieved what I wanted to achieve yet, but I've got the chance at achieving what I want to."

The Welshman has consistently beaten R5 cars in his less advanced Lancer, and has been given the drive thanks to a three-pronged deal between tyre firm DMACK, M-Sport and long-term backer Swift Group.

Chairman of the Swift Group, Peter Smith, says Edwards' hard work is the reason he's scored the deal.

"He puts everything he can into it," said Smith, father of 2003 Le Mans winner Guy.

"He's got the only self-built car in the top 15 of the BRC.

"Nobody else is working all night putting everything he has into his car to prepare it on his own.

"Against a lot of adversity he's come out on top, he'll do really well and that's why I want to help him.

"I've never given him enough [to compete]. I've always given him a little bit, but he's had to go and find the rest."

Wilson could return for Ulster

Matthew Wilson could be another driver in a Fiesta R5 on the Ulster Rally.

The Bentley M-Sport boss and former World Rally Championship competitor is in the process of putting together a deal to drive one of his favourite rallies.

"We need to see where we are with plans," said Wilson. "I'd love to do it, it's definitely one of my favourites.

"At the minute we're looking to get the 2017 car running as soon as we can.

"As soon as that calendar is fully confirmed, I'll be probably doing a lot of the initial driving.

"So as long as everything fits around that - obviously that's the priority - I'd love to try and do it for sure."

Wilson competed on the Pirelli Carlisle round of the BRC in April, but hasn't appeared on any other events in the championship this year.

For more on Edwards and Wilson, pick up a copy of this week's Motorsport News