DEALER Team Suzuki's driver Guy Wilks was crowned 2004 British Super 1600 Rally champion and British Junior Rally Champion after the Trackrod Rally, despite not even competing in the event. Wilks' only challenger for the British titles, Jonnie Wigmore (Ford Puma) finished third in class on this weekend's event in Yorkshire, giving Wilks an unassailable lead going into next month's final round.

Wilks is also still firmly in contention for the Junior World Rally Championship after finishing second in the Super 1600 class at this weekend's Rally d'Italia on the island of Sardinia. The 23-year-old from Darlington was part of a stunning Suzuki lock-out of the top four places, with Per-Gunnar Andersson winning from Wilks by 2m 14.2s and the team's other drivers Mirco Baldacci and Kosti Katajamaki following the Englishman home.

"Another fantastic result for Suzuki where we locked-out the podium," commented Suzuki Team Manager Risto Laine. "All the drivers have been in great form and once again we have proven the incredible reliability and performance of the Ignis."

Guy goes into the final round in Catalunya with a three point lead over team mate Andersson (Suzuki Ignis) and will now be trying to become a triple rally champion, when he tackles the Spanish tarmac event at the end of October.

He commented: "I'm really fired up for the challenge in the Junior World Rally Championship at the final round in Spain. I'll be giving it my best shot to add the world championship to my two British titles and finish what would be a terrific year for myself, Phil and Suzuki GB.