MORE used to navigating the hills and dales of England, co-driver Stephen Robson is set to test himself in altogether different environment.

For the 34-year-old from Consett is flying out to Barbados for the Caribbean island's Rally Carnival which takes place later this month.

Robson can usually be found sat alongside driver Barry Groundwater in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6 contesting the Evo Challenge.

However, he has been signed up to join Brian Gill and his 1979 Opel Kadett in Barbados.

The rally is expected to attract in the region of 25,000 spectators and is run over two days on public roads. In past years there have been 33 stages varying in length from a mile to five miles.

The roads are described as undulating and tight and although the surface is tarmac it is old and built with limestone aggregate and consequently doesn't offer the same sort of grip that can be expected in this country.

"The Gill family have had the car from new. Brian's dad built it for the 1979 RAC (Rally), so there's nostalgia for you," said Robson.

"We are just going to have fun. By all accounts it's a great time."

The trek to the Caribbean provides a break from the Evo Championship where Robson and Groundwater are currently just outside the top ten, having amassed four points so far this season.

Having decided not to compete in the Manx Rally on the Isle of Man at the weekend because of the exorbitant costs of competing, the standing is based on the opening two events, the Rallye Sunseeker in Bournemouth and the Astra Stages in Llangollen, Wales.

However, the highlight of the season so far was when they crossed the line first overall in the unrelated Pirelli National Rally, held last month between Gateshead and Kielder Forest. Robson and Groundwater finished 13.5 seconds ahead of their nearest competitors after the eight-stage event.

At the weekend the Lancer was in action again at the Lion Stages Forest Rally in Northumberland.

"We were fourth overall and first in class," he said.

On his return from Barbados Robson can be forgiven if his thoughts are elsewhere because between the Jim Clark Memorial on July 2 and 3 and the Swansea Bay Rally on July 17 Robson's girlfriend Carey McLean is due to give birth to a baby girl.

"I just hope she comes on time," he said.

Published: 14/05/2004