Hove driver Matthew Fowle's Peugeot Super 106 Cup campaign got off to a slow start at the Wirral rally in New Brighton.

Over the early stages he suffered with an ill handing car due to incorrect suspension set-up for the smooth, fast sea- front stages.

After the fourth stage there was a 40 minute service enabling Fowle to make changes to the car's set-up which made it more stable and easier to drive. As his confidence grew he was able to set times on the pace of the leading cars.

However, the time lost in the morning meant he made no impression on the leader board.

Fowle said: "It was clear to see that the leading crews with bigger budgets had been out testing before this event. Running on a very limited budget we had to do our testing over the first few stages."

Despite this poor start to the season, having now spent time in the car and adjusted the setting to his liking Matthew is confident of a successful season.

He said: "We were right on the pace in the closing stages so come round two on the roads of northern France we should be battling for top honours right from the start."