Scorching heat, choking dust and an ever growing collection of shredded tyres was the story of the Welsh Fram Rally, round 3 of the Shell sponsored British Open Rally Championship.

The event took off from Swansea in conditions more reminiscent of the Acropolis rather than the Welsh - noted for its sogginess. Teams and drivers were equally mortified by the unexpected conditions and the situation was summed up rather succinctly by Jimmy McRae: "In all the years I've driven in the Welsh Rally in a rear-engined car wanting fine weather, it has p***ed with rain. Now that I've got a four-wheel drive and want rain, just look at it!"

Jimmy wasn't the only driver foiled by the fickle finger of fate; the star-studded entry list included such worthies as Graham Mlddleton/Peter Wans (BMW M3), Hakan Ericsson/Johnny Johansson (Peugeot 309GTI), Malcolm Wllson/Nicky Grist (Ford Sapphire RS Cosworth) plus the two local heroes Gwvndaf Evans/Howard Davies (Ford Sapphire RS Cosworth) and David Llewellin/Phil Short (Toyota Celica GT4).

It was clearly a case of whichever crew was first away would be protected from threatening over-takers by a massive cloud of choking, blinding dust - but which would be the lucky crew? You'll thoroughly enjoy finding out when you watch this smashing video account of a great rally!