Current British Rally champion, Guy Wilks, is set to contest Rally Canberra in a Honda Civic Type R. Wilks will contest Rally Canberra as part of a five event deal for JAS Motorsport, that also includes events in Russia, Finland and a second event in Australia, Rally Melbourne.

Speaking on his web site, Wilks said “JAS has a superb motorsport pedigree and it is a privilege to be joining them for 2008. I am sure we can deliver some very strong results together with the R3 rally car on some very challenging rallies, starting with Rally of Canberra in May.”

The Civic is powered by a 260hp engine built by Mugen, built to FIA R3 specifications, which competed in IRC events against Group N and Super 1600 cars during 2007.

“This will be the first time JAS will co-operate with Honda Australia and we are very proud to be part of this project” said JAS Motorsport principal Alessandro Mariani. “The Australian Rally Championship is a very important and challenging series, made up of fast gravel roads that should suit our car well. We’ re also very pleased to be working with Guy Wilks, a very talented driver whose reputation speaks for itself.”

26 year-old Wilks is a JWRC veteran, and also has WRC experience including 6th place in last years Rally Ireland.

Sources: www.aprclive.com guywilks.com and serviceparknews.com

Photos courtesy of guywilks.com and ircseries.com