A teenage motor racer from Dunmow has made a solid start in his first rally - despite the snowy conditions.

Alfie Hammond was competing in the 2023 BTRDA Rally Championship with round one being the Malcolm Wilson Rally.

Held over gravel stages through forests and hilly terrain in Cumbria, the 19-year-old and co-driver Phil Boyle also had to contend with snow and ice on the higher ground.

And yet he guided the Myerscough Motorsport Fiesta R2 to third in the BTRDA R2 Cup and a solid 35th overall out of 105 entries.

He said: "I was very pleased with how my driving came along in the car and am massively excited to see what I can do in the rest of the year.

"I know where I need to work on improving to get the most out of the car and can’t wait for the next rally."

Hammond is a Motorsport UK academy driver in their futures programme, designed to support rising stars considered to have potential to be elite drivers.

Co-driver Boyle, who is also a senior lecturer in motorsport at Myerscough College, believes the drive cemented that potential.

He said: "Alfie drove brilliantly and has quickly got to grips with the Fiesta and our service team from Myerscough worked very hard on preparing and maintaining the car before and throughout the rally.

"This is all very promising for the year ahead."

Hammond thanked all who have, and continue to support him, including his lead sponsor Octane Partners.

For further information, email info@hammond.uk.net or go to www.awhmotorsport.co.uk