Rallying: Milner in a fight to Finnish

TAPIO Laukkanen retained his lead in the four-wheel drive open class at the Scottish Rally - a scant 22 seconds ahead of reigning champion Jonny Milner.

Cumbria driver Dougie Hall worked his way up the leaderborad to third, just ahead of the young Finnish sensation Jari-Matti Latvala who recovered well from a puncture by setting some blistering times.

Reigning British touring car champion James Thompson had to retire, after his stirring drive in his Mitsubishi came to a premature end when he slid wide and seriously damaged the car's radiator.

Welsh wizard Gwyndaf Evans led the less powerful front-wheel drive Super 1600 class in his MG.

He was in an impressive sixth place overall, with his fellow Welshman Gareth Jones in ninth.

Kris Meeke, who had been challenging Evans for the lead of the class, dropped back to 10th after an untimely puncture wrecked his hopes

Just outside the top 10 was Neil Buckley, leading the production (showroom) class in his Mitsubishi.

Shelley Taunt (Nissan Micra) leads the Ladies Cup.

Copyright 2003 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.