A CHAMPION racing driver and a world expert in fighting diseases have paired up to tackle one of sport’s greatest challenges – the Monte Carlo Rally.

Seven-times saloon champion Bill Richards is the driver and preparation expert of a works replica BMC Mini Cooper S owned and navigated by Dr John Morrow, a professor of immunology.

Richards, who has a workshop on the Ellingham Industrial Estate, has prepared cars for the race before, but until now he has never driven in the classic event.

He said “I’m so pleased we were accepted – there were 3,000 applicants for only 350 places.

"I started work at the age of 15 as a technician in the BMC Competitions Department at Abingdon, where the works cars were prepared for the Monte, so I’m sure that helped.”

The Mini expert has already done his homework for the Monte Carlo Rally Historique which lasts six days and which entails a round trip of 3,000 kilometres from their start point at Rheims.

He added: “I’ve only driven the car for 200 miles so far and that was across Romney Marsh, so I didn’t have the chance to tackle any icy mountains.

“But we flew out to Nice and did a proper recce of the route before Christmas.

“We’re determined to do our best. I always give 100 per cent whatever I do – whether it’s racing, rallying or even instructing at a track day at Lydden.”

Dr Morrow, who is based in Seattle, is equally keen to do well. But how does he rate their chances?

“It’s down to careful plotting of the route and then deciding where you can afford to make up time,” he said. “You get a penalty point for each second outside the time limit. But you get six penalty points for each second inside the set time – so you can’t afford to go mad.”

He added “I’ve done this event twice before. It’s just like the modern Monte Carlo Rally, except that it is open only to classic cars.”

The pair started their journey into the unknown last Friday and return this Friday.