SETTING up mobile speed cameras at the Rally of Great Britain looked an unbeatable way for South Wales police to up its conviction rate.

With thousands of fans expected to attend, it was assumed that a good few would be caught trying to emulate their heroes’ high-speed antics.

What the force had not counted on, however, was catching 20 of the world’s top rally drivers as they dashed between the event’s different stages on public roads.

Among the drivers alleged to have exceeded the limit, and who could face disqualification, were several former world champions, including Britain’s Colin McRae, 34, and Richard Burns, 32.

Burns who lives in Andorra and was reigning world champion when he took part in last year’s rally, was accused of breaking the speed limit five times in his Peugeot. The other accused included the Finnish driver, Tommi Makinen, 39, who has been world champion four times, the Spaniard, Carlos Sainz, 42, twice world champion, the German Armin Schwarz, 40, who is based in Monte Carlo and is a former European champion, and the Estonian, Markko Martin, 26, who finished second in last year’s Great Britain rally.

The Belgian Freddy Loix, 32, is facing the most charges. He is accused of breaking the 30mph limit seven times on the same day.

Only Schwarz pleaded guilty to speeding, admitting five charges of breaking the limit. His case was adjourned until November 10. Neath magistrates agreed that the other drivers could spend the first rest day of this year’s event pleading to be allowed to keep their licences. Paul Trotman, a solicitor who is representing the other 19 racers, said that most intended to plead guilty.

The drivers were among 138 who took part in the British leg of the World Rally Championship. A spokesman for rally sport’s governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, said that a driving ban would not be enough to disqualify a driver from the competition. However, a banned driver would not be able to drive himself on public roads between stages.

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