HYUNDAI Accent rally driver David Higgins was crowned 2004 Kwik Fit Pirelli British Champion, following another superb finish at last weekend's Tempest Rally. This topped a remarkable year, in which his Accent WRC3 won three events, finished second once, third once, fourth once, and only had one retirement when he hit a boulder in the middle of the road at the Trackrod Rally in Yorkshire.

David Higgins led the championship for most of the season and all he had to do on the Tempest was to finish ahead of his nearest challenger, Austin McHale in a Ford Focus. This he duly did, finishing second to McHale's third. In taking the 2004 title, David's Accent World Rally Car beat off a host of Subaru Imprezas, Mitsubishi Evo 8s and Ford Focus WRCs.

David's team boss Steve Petch, who runs Hyundai dealerships in Durham and Darlington, said he was delighted at the Accent winning its first major British title and has immediately started planning for 2005.

He said: "I am very proud of everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen, and I really hope we can defend our title next year."