SAM Bilham heads to Cumbria this weekend looking to make a solid start to his Fiesta ST Trophy campaign in the Malcolm Wilson Rally.

The Bingley driver has set his sights on winning the single-make series after finishing runner-up in the championship last year.

The 20-year-old Yorkshireman will also aim to retain his Maxxis MSA English Rally Championship title.

Bilham is joined by co-driver Cameron Fair after the newly-paired duo were forced to skip the opening round of the series last month due to a parts shortage for the Fiesta.

Yet all was not lost, as the Cambrian Rally was cancelled after only one stage due to the snow and ice. The championship now moves to just seven rounds, with five opportunities to score points.

After leading the series for much of last season, Bilham is keen to get his 2017 campaign underway with a podium result as the championship sees almost 15 crews competing this year.

"I will certainly have to draw on my experience from last year if we are to be towards the top of the podium this weekend," he said.

"There are a lot of unknowns this season, so solid points at the beginning of the season have never been more important.

"We had a good run in 2016 but had too many fourth places and it made all the difference when it came to the title, so the aim is certainly for a win."

Bilham added: "It was a shame for everyone that the opening round (Cambrian Rally) was cancelled but it really has played right into our hands.

"We have experience of the events and will need to find the right balance between getting the points and upping the pace.

"Just five chances to score will mean the season could turn into a sprint rather than a marathon."

The Malcolm Wilson Rally takes place today and offers over 40 stage miles in the forests surrounding the Lake District.