GUY Wilks finished fifth in the Prime Yalta Rally in Ukraine.

The Darlington driver had been looking like challenging for victory at the fourth round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, riding as high as second at one point.

But puncture problems put paid to his efforts and he had to play safe and settle for a decent points tally.

"We were driving through a sixth-gear left-hander in the woods when I suddenly felt an impact via the steering wheel," said the Peugeot UK driver afterwards. "My tyre lost its air instantly and I had no choice but to stop and change the wheel."

A front-right puncture on the final stage, caused by striking the concrete block holding the flying finish sign in place, completed a frustrating weekend.