Derek McGarrity praised the work of his mechanical team after taking his fifth Circuit of Ireland title in a hard-fought race on Sunday. McGarrity, in his Subaru Impreza, held off the challenge of Kenny McKinstry by 41.7 seconds to clinch victory. Speaking to UTV after the race he paid tribute to his team for coming [...]

McGarrity turns it around, moving back into the lead in Stage 5, with McKinstry trailing 4 seconds. Overall now Derek has a 03.4 second lead over McKinstry going into the Lisburn stages. Kevin Barrett is third and a full minute off the lead. Neil McCance is fourth and 1:18 behind Derek. 1 Derek McGarrity / [...]

McGarrity powers through the Hollow 2 for the second time today, coming though 5 seconds ahead of McKinstry. The gap at the top is just 1.1 second as McGarrity claws it back. 4 Kenny McKinstry / Kenny Hull 9 8:57.9, 2nd 0:05.9 34:55.1, 1st 0:00.0 1 Derek McGarrity / James McKee 9 8:52.0, 1st 0:00.0 [...]

Some of the Circuit of Ireland action was caught via mobile devices, many thanks to Twitter follows @BenMcc666, @oofftbaby032130 and @ttham1 Send us your photos @utvdrivecircuit – or email circuit@utvdrive.co.uk  

The extreme heat is playing havoc with entrants machines today as Rory Byrne and Jeremy Patterson in their Mitsibushi Lancer Evo IX. A real shame. Before and after shots don’t make for pretty viewing.

McKinstry goes quickest , and takes the lead from McGarrity (provisional times). McGarrity seven seconds off the pace. 4 Kenny McKinstry / Kenny Hull 9 10:10.6, 1st 0:00.0 25:57.2, 1st1 0:00.0 1 Derek McGarrity / James McKee 9 10:17.7, 2nd 0:07.1 26:04.2, 2nd1 0:07.0 3 Kevin Barrett / Sean Mullally 9 10:30.2, 4th 0:19.6 26:29.9, [...]

McKinstry wins S2, McGarrity 2 seconds off the pace. Barrett trails in third amongst Group 9. McKinstry only .1 off lead 1 Derek McGarrity / James McKee 9 6:43.9, 2nd 0:02.8 15:46.5, 1st 0:00.0 4 Kenny McKinstry / Kenny Hull 9 6:41.1, 1st 0:00.0 15:46.6, 2nd 0:00.1 3 Kevin Barrett / Sean Mullally 9 6:53.6, [...]

With Gass out of the running after an onboard fire, Derek McGarrity leads the super class in his Subaru. 1. Derek McGarrity / James McKee (Subaru Impreza WRC) 9:02.6 2. Kenny McKinstry / Kenny Hull (Subaru Impreza WRC) 9:05.5 3. Kevin Barrett / Sean Mullally (Subaru Impreza WRC) 9:06.1 5. Donagh Kelly / Kevin Flanagan [...]

Darren Gass pictured here in his Subaru has unfortunately had to retire from the Rally after his engine caught fire after stage 1. Further details here when we get them.

Up close with the Lancia Stratos driven this year by Steve Perez. Posted by Pamela Ballantine via Twitter live from Armagh. This car is considered as the first top-level rally car that was purely designed for winning rallies and competitions – it was the first major step towards the supercar era that would burst into full gear [...]

A collection of some of the first images from the Circuit this morning. Glorious weather perfectly showcasing some of the motors.

UTV New Media companies UTV Drive and UTV Internet have joined forces to provide a first in ground breaking technology. This Saturday 23 April, UTV Drive will be streaming live coverage of the 2011 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally online and on two new Smartphone Apps with connectivity provided by UTV Internet. UTV New [...]

The 2011 Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally in association with UTV Drive was launched in spectacular fashion today. Ireland and Lions winger Tommy Bowe, reigning Circuit champion Derek McGarrity and Irish Tarmac series winner Gareth MacHale showed their support for one of the most famous rallies in the world. This year’s Rally will take [...]

Thousands of spectators are expected to pack the streets of Lisburn on Easter Saturday as the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally in association with UTV Drive roars into the City Centre, with support from Lisburn City Council. The Council is sponsoring the Lisburn “Power Stage” which will see competitors battle the clock on public [...]

The Lancia Stratos, one of the most iconic rallying cars of all time, is the first entry in this year’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally in association with UTV Drive. Reigning BTRDA Rally Champion Steve Perez has confirmed he will be driving his distinctive dark blue Lancia Stratos in the National class as the [...]

The Environment Minister has reminded rally fans of their responsibilities behind the wheel ahead of this year’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally in association with UTV Drive which takes place over the Easter weekend. Tens of thousands of fans will attend stages in counties Armagh, Down, Antrim, Tyrone and Monaghan. Edwin Poots urged spectators [...]