Fifth place finish for Williams in Rally Portugal showcase

Williams and lead driver Josh McErlean finished 17th overall in addition to claiming fifth place in the World Rally Championship 3 category.

It was another solid result for the duo who are continuing their programme of events with the Hyundai Customer Racing Junior Team and Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy.

The event was the fourth round of this year's World Rally Championship as crews took to the hard demanding roads around Porto, with 20 tests totalling 338km over the three days.

Friday’s opening leg was a real sting with eight special stages, totalling 122km, with no actual service, only a remote refuel and tyre stop.

It was a case of being smart with tyre degradation on the hard roads but sadly, after a solid start, punctures on both the fourth and fifth stages dropped Williams and McErlean down the standings.

However, they posted good times in the remaining three tests to arrive back in Porto 24th overall and 10th in WRC3.

"It was a case of what might have been without the punctures as we settled into a nice rhythm, but we're very aware we had to try and look after the tyres,” said Williams.

Saturday’s leg was the longest of the weekend with another eight stages, and 165 km, and the duo pushed harder on the opening loop to arrive at the midday service 21st overall and seventh in WRC3.

The afternoon loop saw the pair set some top-three times in to finish the day 17th overall and fifth in WRC 3.

"We had a good day, set some good times and found a good pace,” said a pleased Williams after the session.

Sunday’s five stages offered just 49.47km of road but there was still plenty to catch out the unwary, including the notorious jump on the Fafe stage but the duo maintained their placings from the previous day.

At the moment the next event for the duo is unknown with further discussions ongoing, although they did not attend the following WRC event a few days later in Italy.