Ian Barnes completed his return to the sport by finishing third in class at the Wyedean Forest Rally.

Driving the Bicester Major Motorsport’s historic MK1 Escort, Swindon-based Barnes began tentatively in his first rally for six months.

But that plan was abandoned as he and co-driver Melanie Holmes charged up the field to finish 15th overall.

“The car felt the best it has ever been,” said Barnes.