TOM Cave heads across the Irish Sea for the penultimate round of this season’s British Rally Championship - the Ulster Rally - this weekend.

The Aberdovey star goes into the event level pegging with Matt Edwards at the top of the standings.

The narrow, bumpy lanes of Northern Ireland have always played a crucial part in the BRC title race and 2019 will be no different with the Welsh rivals tied on 68 points.

After a ceremonial start on Friday evening, nine stages await the drivers on Saturday.

Despite the August calendar date, the changeable weather conditions provide the biggest challenge for the crews as the first half of the stage could be bone dry, while the final section could be covered with lashing rain, making tyre choices and driving style all so important.

Defending champion Edwards will travel with confidence high following victory in the Ypres Rally in a Pirelli-backed Ford Fiesta R5

Cave last visited the Ulster Rally in 2016 and will be giving it everything to go toe-to-toe with Edwards on the iconic tarmac.

Cave and navigator Dale Bowen are putting together a strong campaign this season with their Philip Case Rally Sport prepared Hyundai i20 R5 and enjoyed victory at the West Cork Rally earlier in thh year.