The 2010 Fiesta SportTrophy (FST) Ireland season kicks off in style this weekend at the Safety Direct Galway International Rally. 2010 sees the start of a new era for FST Ireland with the introduction of the Fiesta R2. Competing alongside the tried and tested production class Fiesta ST, drivers in both cars are eligible to score championship points and win a share of the prize fund.

Launched in the FST International series in 2009, the R2 is based on the highly successful, latest generation Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S. Featuring a naturally aspirated 1.6 litre engine, the car is built to the new Group R regulations, allowing the designers more freedom than was available with the Group N Fiesta ST. This has allowed the use of a five-speed sequential gearbox manufactured by Sadev and four-piston AP brake callipers as well as the removal of any non-essential panels and brackets to ensure the car is a step forward from the ST.

Having hosted the first Irish Tarmac Championship event in 1978, the Safety Direct Galway International Rally has a long history as the Irish rallying season opener.  2010 is no exception, as the event not only sees the start of FST Ireland but also of the TROA Irish Tarmac Championship. 

The event will utilise the same format as 2009 where FST competitors will compete on the first day of the Galway International Rally.  Competitors wishing to do so will have the chance to compete on the full international rally, providing they have the correct licence, and therefore also score points towards the TROA Irish Tarmac Championship.

With multiple 2009 FST champion Craig Breen graduating to a Fiesta S2000 for 2010, the scene has been set for talented newcomers to pit themselves against more experienced Fiesta drivers to be crowned 2010 Fiesta SportTrophy Ireland champion.

Stephen Wright (20) from Co. Monaghan returns for his second full FST Ireland season again partnered by Paul McGee, from Co. Donegal.  After an unlucky three non-finishes from the first three rounds on 2009, Wright bounced back with two fourth place finishes to round off his season and secure sixth place in the final standings. As the highest seeded driver returning in 2010, Stephen will be looking to make the most of his experience in 2009 and put his run of bad luck behind him.

Another crew hoping to improve on their fortunes in 2010 is 20-year-old Desi Henry, from Port Glenone, Co. Antrim and co-driver John Rowan.  After a steady start to the 2009 season with an eighth place finish in Galway, the pair impressed with some very competitive stage times over the course of the season. Despite impressive pace, they failed to finish on the next four rounds resulting in a lower than expected 15^th place in the final standings.

Omagh based Dara Leonard is the youngest competitor competing in the FST Ireland championship in 2010 at just 17 years old.  Leonard is no stranger to competition however, having won the 2007 Alltrack Championship, aged just 15. In 2009, Leonard navigated older brother Declan to victory in the 2009 Northern Ireland Junior Rally Championship.  Leonard will be hoping to emulate his elder sibling's success in the same car the pair used in 2009. His co-driver, Vinnie Boyd, also makes his FST debut this year and will be looking to put his previous co-driving experience two good use.

The Fiesta R2 makes it debut in the 2010 FST Ireland championship in the hands of 28-year-old Co. Fermanagh based Stephen Baxter and co-driver Karl Atkinson. The pairing are also making their FST Ireland debut in 2010 and will be hoping to show the youngsters a thing or two. 

With a much reduced registration fee and low entry fees, thanks to the single day format, FST Ireland is a cost effective way for competitors to gain experience on some of the toughest stages in Ireland.  The championship also boasts a prize fund worth over €2,500 and is guaranteed to Fiesta SportTrophy competitors.  Championship organisers M-Sport will be providing on-event technical and parts support at all 2010 FST Ireland events.  Parts ordered with M-Sport can also be delivered to events.

Title sponsorship comes from energy drinks supplier Kick Energy. The company behind Kick Energy have supported the FST UK championship since 2006 and will also be supporting 2009 FST Ireland Champion Craig Breen in his new Fiesta S2000 as well as experienced national competitor Steve Perez in his Focus WRC.  Tyre supply is once again taken care of by Pirelli, who will be represented at championship events by S.W. Adair Tyres.