BBC F1 presenter Humphrey joins Cambrian Rally

BBC Formula One presenter Jake Humphrey to compete in first ever rally

Jake Humphrey, BBC Sport's star presenter in Formula One, is to navigate alongside seasoned rally driver and media man Tony Jardine in this Saturday's (16 October) Cambrian Rally. Jake will be in a sink-or-swim situation as he makes his co-driving debut for a BBC feature set to be broadcast in the build up to one of this season's three remaining Grands Prix.

The feature is being produced to highlight the work of the Motor Sports Association's (MSA's) Go Motorsport campaign. Established by the governing body of motor sport in the UK, Go Motorsport aims to show people just how easy it is to get involved in one of the world's most exciting and fastest moving sports.

The Cambrian Rally is a round of the BTRDA Championship. Organised by the North Wales Car Club, the rally is in its 55th year and will start in Llandudno.

Commenting on the Go Motorsport initiative, Jake said, "People often look at Formula 1 drivers and think 'I couldn't do that, so there's no way I can get into motor sport', but there are loads of different ways. Co-driving is one of them. If, like me, you've had a go at racing and you realise your forte isn't necessarily behind the wheel, who knows, perhaps your skill is in the passenger seat next to the driver. There are loads of rallies happening around the country and if you want to dedicate a bit of time to it and learn about it, there is every chance you could find yourself involved with something quite exciting."

Jake will join team boss Olly Marshall's ProSpeed team, co-driving in their Kumho Tyres supported production-class Ford Fiesta. The car has achieved numerous class wins in the hands of Jardine and he has also piloted it at World and Intercontinental Rally Championship level. Jake Humphrey is squeezing the Cambrian Rally into his hectic schedule of back-to-back Grands Prix. He is also presenting the BBC's Commonwealth Games coverage alongside Sue Barker, which finishes just the day before his first rally.

Remarking on his frantic timetable, Jake said, "Obviously the problem with the Formula 1 and working with the Commonwealth Games is that I haven't had the chance to really get my head around this, so I'll be cramming the night before in the hotel before we head out to the first stage. I have absolutely no co-driving experience. When Tony gave me the book with all the pace notes in I hadn't seen any of them before. But I have been learning, I know what 'triple caution' is, so I'm going to say that one extra loud. I'm just hoping that I won't see too many 'triple cautions' because that will start to concern me, particularly if I miss them!"

Ever the optimist, Jake added, "I do feel nervous, but because I'm alongside someone who knows what they are doing I feel better. I know that if I get us in a muddle, Tony will get us out of it."

-source: bbc sport