WHILE Colin McRae and Richard Burns go head-to-head in the World Rally Championship title race next week, Hampshire has its own rally champion.

Justin Dale was last weekend crowned 2001 Formula Rally champion after a tensely fought battle on the Prodrive Banbury Rally.

The 30-year-old from Longparish was delighted to win the title, Britain's top rallying honour this year, and hopes it will open more doors for him to compete on the world stage in the future.

"Its an amazing feeling to win.'' said Justin.

"Everyone has worked so hard to make this happen and I couldn't be happier.''

Together with co-driver Andrew Bargery, Justin has been piloting the works Peugeot 106 GTi this season and has set an impressive record against tough competition.

Going into the final round at the weekend, Justin trailed Ford's Martin Rowe by two points and knew that an outright win was his only chance of success.

"We were determined to win and bring the title back to Hampshire but it was touch-and-go all day,'' said Justin. "Although the rally was short with just 40 stage miles the stages were not easy and any mistake could have cost us the championship.''

Justin led on the first of the day's 14 tests but a spin on the fourth stage cost him valuable seconds.

"We were flat out just to get back into the lead and it was only finally decided on the final stage which was held in the dark at Silverstone,'' he added.

A jubilant Justin ret-urned to the rally's base in the middle of Banbury ten seconds ahead of Martin Rowe, enough of a margin to secure a win and the championship crown for the local driver.

"Its only just starting to sink in,'' said Justin.

"We started the year determined to win the title and its so good that all that work has paid off and we have taken the championship.''