This weekend sees the first of two visits to the Welsh forests for the Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge, when five crews line up for round five, the Severn Valley National Rally and what has the potential of being the closest battle of the season so far.

After winning three of the previous four rounds, Championship leaders Daniel Barry and co-driver Martin Brady are destined to start as favourites, but are fully aware that they cannot take their current winning form for granted and therefore are eager to add another win to their collection.

After damaging their Evo on the Isle of Man, Barry & Brady’s main rivals Simon Hughes and Craig Parry have a race against time to get their car ready for this event and, with one win under their belt so far, can potentially double their tally this time round.

Third in the series standings are Nik Elsmore and Craig Drew and, after finishing second last time out, are destined to take a win at some point this season – and quite possibly on this event.

Having had to miss the Manx rally due to a recurring electrical problem, Owen Murphy and Dai Roberts are keen to show that they can mix it at the front of the field, their stage times showing that when they don’t have any problems, they have the pace to win.

Making a welcome return to the series, having only appeared for the first round this season, is Icelandic Rally Champion Daniel Sigurdarson and co-driver Isak Gudjonsson. This event will see the first Evolution Challenge outing for their new Evo X and they are another Mitsubishi crew who have a chance of seizing victory this time around.

Because it visits many of the classic stages in mid-Wales, the Severn Valley National is a favourite amongst many of the competitors – especially the Mitsubishi runners, as its fast flowing gravel roads suit the characteristics of  the Group N Evolutions. The event’s start, finish and service areas are all based at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, with the route featuring seven forest stages and a total of 63 competitive miles.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge is supported by Mitsubishi Motors UK, Ralliart, Pirelli tyres, Sunoco fuels, JR Motorsports, Speedline Corse wheels, Carbone Lorraine brakes, Walkinshaw Performance, Sparco racewear and PIAA lights - who sponsor the junior award for under 25-year old drivers.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Evolution Challenge
Round five entries
Daniel Barry (Enniskerry)/Martin Brady (Navan)
Simon Hughes (Abergele)/Craig Parry (Llanymynech)
Nik Elsmore (Coleford)/Craig Drew (Bream)
Owen Murphy (Cork)/Dai Roberts (Carmarthen)                       
Daniel Sigurdarson (Iceland)/Isak Gudjonsson (Iceland)

Championship positions after round four

Drivers
1   Daniel Barry 46
2   Simon Hughes 40
3   Nik Elsmore 31
4   Owen Murphy 21
5   Alan Carmichael 18
6   Andreas Magnusson 8
7   Neil Armstrong 4
Co-drivers
1   Martin Brady 46
2   Craig Parry 30
3   Craig Drew 31
4   Dai Roberts 21
5   Ivor Lamont 18
6   Patrick Walsh 10
7   Henrik Hulterskog 8
8   Max Ferri 4