Corner, from Somerton, and co-driver Steve McNulty drove a great rally balancing speed against reliability and leading the field by nine seconds. On Friday after six stages, Corner was leading the Peugeot 205s, in 16th place overall and second in Class 2.

On Saturday, Corner attacked the Merevale stage setting fifth fastest time overall.

In the first service Corner came in with a broken cooling fan causing a noisy vibration after hitting the wave created by the car in front at the watersplash on the Higham stage.

The service crew replaced the fan and sent him back out on time with a healthy car for the stages at Mallory Park.

Corner led throughout the afternoon stages gradually opening up a lead on the rest of the field. He finished the day with a total time of 1:32:15 in first place in the 205 Challenge and 14th overall.

Things did not go as well for Andy Corner. He was forced to retire with engine problems after stage 11 at Bramcote.