GUY Wilks returned from Latvia with mixed emotions after his debut on the Rally Tasli at the weekend.

The County Durham rally driver was debuting the MML Sports Mitsubishi Evo X.

While engine problems meant he could only finish seventh in Group N and tenth overall, the Heighington driver, who now lives in Chester-le-Street, did set a couple of fastest stage times in his category and was full of praise for the race fans.

"The crowds were mega. I'd say there were as many spectators as on Rally GB," Wilks said.

"Talsi was packed for the town centre stage. It was a fantastic atmosphere. They clearly love their motorsport in Latvia and the hospitality was superb.

Reflecting on his performance, Wilks added: "It was frustrating. We had two catalytic converters fail which lost us power, so we were goosed.

"It meant we couldn't fight at the front. We thought we had it sorted for the final stage and could have a push, but it went again 7km into the 33km stage.

"The whole team was disappointed, but you have to remember that this is the first event for the car and there is clearly more to come. I'd like to go back with the car sorted to justify the team and the car."