AMMANFORD queen of speed rally co-driver Claire Williams was at last back in action this month as she made a long awaited comeback, competing on the ALMC Stages Rally in County Meath, Ireland.

Williams, whose 2015 season with regular driver Matthew Jackson has been hindered by chronic engine problems thus far, teamed up with Essex-based driver David Earthy to tackle the 120km of Irish tarmac roads in their Citroen C2R2 Max.

The Ammanford-Chelmsford duo enjoyed much success with a class podium when they tackled the notorious Irish country lanes together for the first time in 2014.

However, 2015 would present a far greater challenge given the presence of such proficient and experienced crews in the rally.

Prior to the rally, drivers, co-drivers and organisers gathered for a minute’s silence as a mark of respect and to remember those who were killed in the Tunisia massacre, one of whom was a local resident to the route the rally would take.

With the ever changing weather conditions of torrential deluge of showers followed by glorious sunshine along with the fast flowing stages, set up and tyre choice were pivotal in the opening stages of the rally.

“We made a joint decision to gamble and use a dry tyre in wet conditions," said Williams, 26.

"On the recce before the rally we noted how quick the stages were drying up and that’s what we had to go on.

“The first stage started off very wet and we had a spin as a result but as expected, the second half of the stage and Stages Two and Three were virtually dry and at that point we were confident that our tyre choice was spot on”

The team’s gamble proved to be worth taking when they found themselves catching and passing several other competing cars throughout the opening stages.

However, they were locked in a tight battle with local crews for the class honours which Earthy and Williams would emerge victorious.

“Going into the rally, we didn’t think that we would be able to challenge for a class win," she said, "but we’ve played a blinder throughout the rally with our decisions and our pace.”

Regretfully for competitors, organisers and spectators on route, the rally came to the premature end due to the cancellation of the remaining three stages due to a serious accident.

THe early conclusion meant that Earthy and Williams claimed the hard-fought class win with a comfortable 17second cushion over their nearest class rivals and completed their day's rallying in 33rd position in the overall standings.