Rallying: Brundle crashes on trial run

Martin Brundle, the Formula One veteran, crashed out during a preview run for the Network Q/RAC Rally yesterday

Brundle, preparing for his rally debut this weekend, was on a reconnaissance drive of one of the Welsh stages when he slid off an icy track and down a bank.

The Ford Escort car - not the one Brundle will use in the three-day event which starts on Saturday - was damaged, forcing him and his co-driver Roger Freeman to continue in a different car.

"It's no big deal," said the 38-year-old after the accident on the "recce" for the 9.14-mile stage at Gartheiniog.