Just five months after climbing into his Aberystwyth Motorsport Ford Fiesta Rally2 for the first time, Aled Wyn Morgans finds himself leading the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship.
It’s a remarkable achievement for the former Escort Mk2 driver, who admits he never expected to be heading the standings so early in his Rally2 career.
His performances have also put him firmly in contention for one of British rallying’s most sought-after prizes – an exclusive M-Sport Puma Rally1 test.
Consistency has been the key to Aled’s remarkable start, with four top-10 finishes from four starts – 9th on the opening East Riding Stages Rally, 5th on the Manx National Rally, 8th on the Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally and 3rd on the most recent Dunoon Presents Argyll Rally.
Although Aled believes the dropped scores system may ultimately work against his championship challenge, the Welshman is firmly in contention for the private M-Sport Evaluation Centre test, awarded to the highest-placed Fiesta Rally2 driver.
“My first season in a Fiesta Rally2 is going a lot better than expected,” says Aled modestly.
“Argyll was only the eighth time I’d driven the car, including testing, and driving it on a closed road rally compared to a track is a different ball game. It’s hard to get your head around how late you can brake and how much speed you can carry through the corners, especially compared to the Escort I used to compete in – and it doesn’t try to chuck you off the road as often as the Mk2 used to!
“I’m really happy with where I am. Compared to where we were when I tested the car for the first time in January, I cannot believe we’re leading the championship five months later.
“My target at the start of the season was Brad Cole. He’s come from an Escort Mk2 like me and hasn’t been in a Fiesta Rally2 all that long either, so he’s a good benchmark.
“We’re getting there. I’d like to be a bit more consistent with my stage times with Brad. He was faster than me in Argyll, but I had a big push on the last stage and it shows that my times can be up there with Brad. I’m getting quicker every rally and I’m there or thereabouts already.
“Brad lost time with a puncture and we benefitted from that, but it was still nice to score a Protyre Asphalt podium in Argyll because I didn’t think we’d get anywhere near that this year.
“Winning the M-Sport Puma Rally1 test drive is my main incentive, because I don’t think I’ll win the championship overall. I’ve got big points to drop and there are the likes of Jason Pritchard and Sam Touzel who can score big and overtake me in the points table. I see Brad as my main rival for the Puma Rally1 test, so the second half of the series is going to be exciting as there is everything to play for.”
As well as the superb reliability of Aled’s Fiesta Rally2, which is serviced at event by the championship-winning PB Engineering team, he also acknowledges the significant contribution made by his co-driver, Jack Bowen.
“Jack is phenomenal,” says Aled.
“He’s so organised, very positive and he’s so good in the car. He’s brought me on as a driver because of his pace notes, which are absolutely fantastic.”
Next up is the Ynyscynon MOT Centre Tour of Epynt (25/26 July), which is a venue Aled has only rallied at twice.
His first visit to the famous mid-Wales military range came on the 2023 Dixies Challenge Rally, where Aled finished 11th overall on what was his first closed road type of event.
He returned in 2024 for the Tour of Epynt, and all was going well until broken bonnet pins robbed him of what looked set to be second in class.
It’s going to be a thrilling end to the 2026 season, although Aled is already thinking about next year.
“I drove an Escort Mk2 in the 2024 Protyre Asphalt Championship and I usually have a year in rallying followed by a year off, because I’m so busy with work and family life,” says Aled.
“That said, I’m hoping to be back again for a full season next year because you need to be in a Rally2 car all the time to be anywhere near the top boys. I’m lacking in experience and speed at the moment, and that will only come with more seat time and more confidence.”
With three Protyre Asphalt rounds remaining, Aled may be downplaying his championship chances, but his remarkable start to life in a Fiesta Rally2 has already put him in contention for one of the biggest prizes in British rallying — an M-Sport Puma Rally1 test.
Aled is supported by Aberystwyth Motors and OW’s Cabs.
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