Bicester's Simon Mauger stormed to victory on the Tour of Epynt, the opening round of the 2015 REIS MSA Asphalt Championship in Wales.

Partnered by Jonathan Hawkins, the duo pounced on the final stage to turn a nine second deficit into a solitary second advantage, beating multiple tarmac champion Damian Cole.

The traditional season opener saw crews battle in torrential rain for much of the morning before conditions cleared up for the afternoon loop over the famous military range.

Mauger, renowned for driving Ford Escort MKII, switched to four-wheel-drive for this season, piloting a Millington-powered MG Metro 6R4.

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“We’re obviously very happy with the result and especially the way we did it on the last stage, it just shows you should never give up fighting.

"It was a great battle with Damian and Jack all day, that’s what rallying is about,” said Mauger.

“The car is probably one of the quickest things I’ve driven, but also one of the most challenging.

"I’ve realised I need to be a lot fitter to get the best out of it. because I’m feeling the after-effects today!

We knew the car was quick on single-venue rallies, but had we no idea how it would go on a National rally. So to win first time out was amazing.”

l TORCH manufactuer LED Lenser UK have extended their partnership with Oxfordshire's BMW driver Alex Dew for another year.

The company will sponsor the Bampton-based competitor as he enters his third year in the BMW Compact Cup.

Dew racked up an impressive five podiums including one win on his way to fourth place last season.

Testing has already started, with the first round on at Donington on March 29.