Dealer
Ingram brings ERC trophy home
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Chris Ingram has won the 2019 FIA European Rally Championship, following his fourth-place finish on Rally Hungary today.
The Manchester star is the first British driver to win the ERC title since since Vic Elford over 50 years ago!
Elford, who won the series back in 1967 and, now aged 84, has been following his compatriot’s progress from his home in the USA.
Ingram has taken the coveted regional title for the first time alongside co-driver Ross Whittock in a Toksport WRT-run ŠKODA Fabia R5.
“It’s been a very hard road to get here but this is everything to us,” said the 25-year old Manchester ace. “Thank you so much to everyone who has helped us, everyone who has supported us. The support has been absolutely unbelievable and we are so grateful.
“It’s been such a hard year but I’ve not done this alone, without so many people this would not have been possible. Ross [Whittock] has been unbelievable, he’s the most reliable guy, I’m a complete dope. But he’s the most focused person in the whole world. My Toksport team have been absolutely amazing. The car has been perfect. Thank you so much to them for making it happen.”
Despite slipping from third to fourth with a final-stage puncture, Ingram scored 141 points compared to the 132 registered by Alexey Lukyanuk, who dropped out of the lead on the final stage when he suffered a puncture of his own.
Frigyes Turán, from Hungary, won the event – his first ERC triumph – with Saintéloc Junior Team’s Lukyanuk classified second and Motorsport Ireland-backed Callum Devine taking the final podium for Hyundai Motorsport N on his first appearance in the ERC’s top division.
Chris Ingram and Ross Whittock wear Stilo WRC DES 8860 helmets.
