After several years competing in the World Rally Championship Alastair Fisher will contest the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2016. After winning events in both the Junior WRC and WRC3 the Trillick driver took a back seat last year and only made one appearance behind the wheel, but he is hoping for a full programme this season as he targets the Irish title.
The Championship has changed the points scoring regulations for 2016 barring WRC cars such as Garry Jennings’ Subaru from scoring championship points, although they can still compete on individual events. The alterations to the structure means R5 cars such as Fisher’s Ford Fiesta are in pole position to fight for the overall title. 
Alastair last contested his home championship in 2010 when he took the group N title in a Mitsubishi, and he cannot wait to get back on familiar stages once again.
“It will be nice to get back out at home and in front of the local support,” he admitted. 
He added: “Now that the championship has made the R5 car the premier car to score championship points, it gives you a great chance to compete for the overall title and our car should be as good as any car there. 
“It will be a very competitive championship and will attract a few drivers that maybe haven’t competed in the championship in recent years. You will probably see some drivers stepping up from lesser classes as well and trying to get their foot in the door in an R5 200 car. After taking the year out last year we might be a bit rusty but hopefully we can get a test in beforehand.”
The championship comprises seven events with the West Cork rally coming into the series for the first time alongside the regular events such as the Circuit of Ireland, the Ulster, Donegal and Killarney. The series starts with the Galway International taking place on 6th and 7th February, and Alastair is hoping he can made a good start to his campaign. “Galway is a very difficult rally,” he said. “The pace is going to be sharp from the word go and without doubt we have to get up to speed and get comfortable with the car. The roads are always treacherous and it is always as much about survival as speed.”