Thanks to Paul Ridgeway and David Sutton a new sponsor in Audi Sport UK was on board for 1983

Not only did this sponsorship bring the expertise of a multi national company with its professional press department but one with its own World Championship rally team.

This was reflected in the event immediately. The rally received previews in many of the national daily papers and a huge injection of excitement in the form of an entry for World Championship contender Michele Mouton in the in Audi's British Championship Quattro.

Michele duly won in the four wheel drive Audi from Russell Brookes in his two wheel drive Chevette.

Audi Sport was happy to stick with the tried and tested formula of the rally. However economic times were hard and entries were few, the support from the UK Audi importers was necessary to ensure the event ran.

From the entry list it could be seen that the days of the Escorts, Opels and Chevettes were quickly coming to an end and the first of the rally supercars had arrived.

A whole new level of costs for competitors was on the horizon. The clubman was left with the Mk III Escort Turbo, fun on the road but not a very successful rally car.