BINGLEY rally driver Sam Bilham, taking part in only his second event in seven months due to limited finances, notched a fine fourth place in the Vital Equipment Rally First RF1.4 category of the Nicky Grist Stages Rally in Wales.

Partnered by regular co-driver Graham Wild in the REIS-Ravenol BTRDA Series, Bilham was also the second junior home in his Nissan Micra, which had a newly-fitted 1348cc engine.

The 18-year-old Next Big Step graduate had only managed to contest the Somerset Stages in April this season due to budget constraints, but was hopeful of a podium place at the Builth Wells-based event.

However, with a starting position of 148, he would need to exercise caution as road conditions would most certainly have deteriorated.

The Epynt Military Ranges provided the backdrop for the 44 miles of stages, and Bilham made a decent start, returning to the halfway service halt fourth in his class.

While Bilham did his best to avoid any rough sections, the team noticed a hole in the rear axle of the Nissan Micra during service and hastily set about changing the damaged unit.

They did so with minutes to spare, and Bilham headed out for the afternoon loop with damage limitation in mind.

The RSF MSA Young Driver of the Year duly obeyed team orders and returned to the Builth Wells finish ramp having maintained fourth in the category and was pleased with his performance throughout.

“It’s hard to compete at the front of the field when you only do two events in seven months but overall I’m pleased with how it went,” said Bilham.

“The new 1348cc engine is more manageable than the 1275cc we had in for Somerset, although we still lacked some top speed on the quicker afternoon stages.

"I have to say a huge thank you for the team who fitted a new rear beam in record time at service. They did an amazing job under pressure which enabled me to at least get some points on the board."

Bilham didn’t have too long to digest his result, however, as he headed off to the home of the British Grand Prix after the event for an MSA AASE squad day at Silverstone.