Following the disappointment of retiring from the Lee Holland Memorial Rally at Anglesey two weeks ago, Penrith-born driver Frank Bird got back to winning ways by taking a comprehensive victory on Sunday’s LDV Donington Park Rally.

The event formed the final round of the 2019/2020 Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship with MSVR, and the 20-year-old Cumbrian, along with Hexham co-driver Jack Morton, made it five wins from the seven events they entered, but sadly for them, the scoring system meant they missed out on the title.

In the Dom Buckley Motorsport-prepared Ford Focus WRC07, Frank was in control from the start and set fastest times on all seven stages to cross the finish ramp nearly three minutes ahead of his nearest rivals, former champions Ian Woodhouse and Paul Rowland.

The latest win added to his previous winter wins, making it an amazing run of six wins in seven total events.

“[It was] a great way to finish the season in style," said Bird. "It was a fantastic day overall dominating every stage and winning by nearly three minutes.

"The car felt mega all day so thanks to all the team for today, and the season. Jack has been great all year so thanks to him too, and of course all the sponsors for their support.

"But I couldn’t do this without the brilliant support of my dad, so a massive thanks to him.

"It’s a shame not to win the championship but we did everything we could.”

Sadly, next weekend’s Legend Fires North West Stages Rally has been postponed because of the current health crisis.