A large and enthusiastic crowd were treated to a thrilling Toyo Tires MSA British Rallycross Championship encounter at Lydden Hill on Easter Monday.

Briton Ollie O’Donovan overcame a troublesome start to the day to claim his first win of the season, coming through from sixth on the grid to take a popular victory.

The home of rallycross plays host to the British round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship next month, and to get the fans in the mood hosted round two of the domestic series in fine style. Joining O’Donovan on the podium for the first time were BTCC BMR Team Principal Warren Scott, who led for much of the Final, and Oliver Bennett, who came through from row two.

O’Donovan, the 2007 champion, now leads the British series and will join the World RX entry when it comes to Kent on 27-28 May. There he joins BTCC champion Andrew Jordan who stands in for Timo Scheider, and double British Rally Champion Guy Wilks among the British contingent, as well as double World RX champion Petter Solberg.

“We had some problems earlier in the day, but the result more than made up for it, said O’Donovan. “The two up front were having a battle early on which helped, and it all came together in the end.”

“Now though the next focus is on World RX at Lydden. It’s a different pace of course from British to World championship, but hopefully knowledge of the Lydden Hill track will help and of course a bit of luck. I’ve qualified for the last two World RX races I’ve done, so that’s my aim at Lydden.”

“If I can get in the top 12, and qualify for the semis, I’ll be happy. There’s no pressure on me, and I’ve got nothing to lose.”

Tickets for World RX of Great Britain, including Saturday and Sunday tickets, plus weekend tickets, VIP Hospitality, and seats in the grandstand are available at www.lyddenhill.co.uk or call 01304 830557. Relive some of the action from 2016 World RX at Lydden Hill here