Donegal Rally: Josh Moffett OUT as Callum Devine stretches advantage

Reigning champion Josh Moffett is OUT of the 2023 Donegal International Rally.

Callum Devine is now out in front by 53.1 seconds after Moffett's exit on the first run over Fanad Head.

That time difference could change, however, following a review at service with Josh's brother Sam Moffett and Keith Moriarty stopping to ensure everything was okay in the cockpit of the number one-seeded car.

Monaghan man Moffett exited during SS17 after an accident, handing Devine a firm advantage with three stages to go.

Both Moffett and his co-driver Andy Hayes were out of the Hyundai i20 R5 and uninjured.

Moffett, who took victory in Donegal twelve months ago, had been the overnight leader on Friday after the first six stages, but Devine kicked back on Saturday.

An overshoot on Carnhill on Saturday evening allowed Moffett erode the deficit and just 4.7 seconds separated the pair as they left Parc Ferme on Saturday morning to head for High Glen.

Devine, in a VW Polo GTI R5 with Noel O'Sullivan on the notes, extended his lead to 12.4 seconds on High Glen and on the first loop of Atlantic Drive he put the margin out to 17.7 seconds.

Three-time British Rally champion Matt Edwards continues to impress and his Polo is only 7.6 seconds behind Sam Moffett, who is up to second.

Meirion Evans and Robert Barrable are fourth and fifth respectively with Garry Jennings, who encountered difficulty with the gear shift early on Sunday, now in sixth.

National Rally leader Kevin Gallagher, who has Ryan Moore navigating in the Darrian, is now into the top ten in the overall standings.

With three stages to run, Gallagher has one minute and 53.5 seconds to spare on Kevin Eves.

Damien Tourish remains third in the National with John Bonner, Kyle McGettigan and Patrick McHugh local drivers inside the top ten there.