MALVERN driver Robert Ceen is today tuning up for what he hopes will be a top 20 finish in the forthcoming Network Q Rally of Great Britain.

For the 46-year-old it will be his 11th Great Britain rally on the trot and he's as determined as ever to eclipse his previous best of 26th overall in 1998.

"Hopefully, we can get into the top 20. I think that's feasible," said Welland-based Ceen, whose co-driver in his Subaru Impreza 555 will be Alistair Douglas.

Ceen is confident after recently winning the Welsh National Championship, but knows all to well of the hazards ahead, particularly after failing to finish in the last two years because of mechanical problems.

He admits, however, to having become hooked on the Rally that is the UK's largest annual sporting event. He said: "I did it first in 1991 on a one-off basis and have been doing it ever since."

Also driving a Subaru Impreza 555 will be Leominster's Theo Bengry, whose co-driver is Les Forsbrook from Dilwyn.

Forty-four year-old Bengry will be taking part for the sixth time, having finished 25th in 1997.

The Rally starts tomorrow with a capacity 120-car entry that includes 'professional' and 'amateur' crews on the prestigious four-day 1,000-mile Cardiff-based event.

The competitive part of the rally covers 240 miles on 17 timed special stages, mainly on Forestry Commission gravel roads.