The future of Britain's leading women's rally team was in doubt last night.

Co-driver Rachael Simmonite failed in her bid to get an 18-month drink-driving ban reduced. The 24-year-old was disqualified by Skipton magistrates in October after she admitted drink-driving.

Both she and her rally driving sister, Stephanie, who drive for Ford, were forced to pull out of last month's Network Q rally - the British round of the World Rally Championship.

Although Simmonite only navigates during rallies, Bradford Crown Court heard she needed a full licence to allow her to compete.

During the appeal hearing Simmonite's barrister Richard Clews urged a judge and two magistrates to consider reducing the disqualification to 12 months allowing the pair to take part in next November's World Championship event.

He said she was filled with regret and shame for what she had done and revealed that much-needed sponsors were now reviewing their position because of Simmonite's ban.

The court heard Simmonite was found to be almost double the drink-drive limit after she collided with other vehicles in the car park of a North Yorkshire hotel last July.

Judge John Walford said: "The appellant, because of her chosen occupation, more than most should have appreciated the dangers of drink driving."

After the hearing a spokesman for Auto Windscreens said it had ended its sponsorship of the Simmonite sisters.

But Ford spokesman Phil Hale said: "This is a personal issue for Rachael and will not affect our sponsorship."

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