ERC
Ceredigion calling as Meeke makes ERC comeback
Kris Meeke, a five-time FIA World Rally Championship event winner, is set for a sensational return to the FIA European Rally Championship when he contests JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion next week.
Northern Irishman Meeke, who was last registered for ERC points on Rally Poland 20 years ago, will contest the Welsh Tarmac event in a Michelin-equipped Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 run by top local squad Melvyn Evans Motorsport. Noel O’Sullivan will co-drive.
Ex-WRC star Meeke remains a formidable competitor
© ERC
“I wanted to try to do Rali Ceredigion,” said Meeke, whose ERC comeback has been made possible through the support of several local businesses connected with the rally, including Shirgar Welsh Butter, Castell Howell and E&M Motor Factors.
“It’s a big thanks to all my sponsors who’ve helped me out again, especially KES and the local sponsors and, of course, thanks to everyone for supporting me and making it possible; it’s very exciting.”
JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion, which is based in Aberystwyth from 4 - 6 September, represents unchartered territory for 47-year-old Meeke, although co-driver O’Sullivan has previous event experience, including partnering Osian Pryce to second overall in 2022.
Toyota power awaits ERC comeback star Meeke in Wales
© Kris Meeke/Keane Design
“We all know the challenges of this rally and I’ve obviously watched some onboard videos,” Meeke, the 2024 Portuguese champion, explained. “The stages look narrow, bumpy and tricky to be honest, not dissimilar to Ireland. So, I’m hopeful, but I don’t underestimate the challenge with guys like [ERC points leader] Teemu Suninen, who’s been rallying every weekend. This will only be my third event in Rally2 this year, but I’m excited for the challenge and a big thanks to everyone that has made it possible.”
The stages look narrow, bumpy and tricky
Meeke’s ERC history in short
Kris Meeke’s ERC links date back to 2003 when he won the Super 1600 division on his home event, the Ulster Rally.
While Meeke hasn’t been eligible for ERC points since Rally Poland in 2006, when he took a class victory in 10th overall, he was a regular in the championship during his two-year stint in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, which he won in 2009 and finished third in 2010.
The IRC shared the billing with the ERC on four events in 2009 and three the following year. Meeke won the Belgium Ypres Westhoek Rally in 2009 and finished second on Barum Czech Rally Zlín two months later.
Meeke gave Peugeot's 208 T16 R5 car its public debut in 2013
© ERC
In 2013 he drove a Peugeot 208 R2 and Peugeot 208 T16 as course cars on Tour de Corse and Geko Ypres Rally respectively prior to their competitive debuts.
Meeke was on non-competitive ERC duty again in 2014 when he attended the Circuit of Ireland as an expert analyst for Eurosport. He also presented the Colin McRae ERC Flat Out Trophy to Chris ingram.
Tickets remain on sale for JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion, the penultimate event of the 2026 ERC season. Click HERE for more information.
