By Paul Evans

Osian Pryce is the new TER – Tour European Rally champion, after winning the Rally Terra Sarda in Sardinia.

It’s the Machynlleth maestro’s second major international rally title in two years, having clinched the British Rally Championship last year.

A late invitation from Team Friulmotor to come drive a Hyundai i20 Rally2 on the event gave Pryce the opportunity to make his competition debut on the Mediterranean island – and despite having no time to test the Michelin-shod car before the rally started, he and his Belgian co-driver Stéphane Prévot proved to be uncatchable.

Osian Pryce has won the European TER Rally Title.

Having won the previous round of the TER series, Rali Ceredigion, Pryce wasn’t expecting to become champion, but fastest time on concluding Power Stage gave him the extra bonus points to lift the TER trophy.

“I’m over the moon to take the win on Rally Terra Sarda,” said Pryce.

“What a great event. I really didn’t expect to win this one with so many unknowns and the last minute deal to come and compete.

“Due to the two main TER title contenders not being here at the last round, and with our maximum points in the Power Stage, we have somehow won the Tour European Rally Championship!

“A big thanks to everyone that made this happen.

“The car and team have been amazing.

“To think that I hadn’t driven the car until the morning of the rally and to come away with this result is a testament to them and the great tyres we had beneath us.”