2005 National Rally Champion Paul Bird's bid to regain the Pirelli MSA Gravel Rally Championship got off to the worst possible start when he retired from the opening round on Rallye Sunseeker.

Driving the brand new www.supercasino.com Ford Focus WRC, the Penrith driver and co-driver Ian Windress from Northallerton were gradually getting to grips with the car and were leading at half distance when on the short tenth stage, a heavy landing near the end of the stage caused the car to cut out. 

With the aid of spectators the car was pushed the 200m to the finish line but by the time the problem in the wiring loom was traced and fixed, they were out of time so had no option but to retire.

The only consolation for Bird was that his two main rivals Marcus Dodd and Steve Perez also retired meaning there is all to play for in the next round of the Championship with the Brick and Steel Border Counties Rally based in Jedburgh on March 20th/21st.

In the meantime Bird will contest the Malcolm Wilson Rally next weekend in his native Lake District hoping for better luck.

"Despite it being the first time I've driven the car I was delighted with my pace and was taking quite a lot of time out of the other drivers.  But then we hit this bump, the car cut out and I coasted to a halt.  I reckon it was looking good and I was increasing my lead so obviously I'm devastated, so I'll just have to make amends next weekend by winning the Malcolm Wilson Rally." said Bird.