JOHN Batchelor is taking Blackburn Rovers into Europe - with his Ford Fiesta XR2i.

The Blackburn racing driver is a leading contender in this year's Super Road Saloon Car Championship with his familar Ewood Park-sponsored machine.

And the pair are heading for France later this month to compete in the next round of the series at Croix-en-Ternois.

"I've never raced at Croix before, but our recent forms suggests we should be on the podium," explained Batchelor.

A spate of engine failures early in the season delayed their attack on the championship, but their last two races, at Lydden Hill and Mallory netted the team sixth and second respectively. Built by Columbia Motors in Rishton, the distinctive Rovers racer boasts a 1.8-litre Zetec engine, producing around 200bhp and a 0-60 time of five seconds. "We've had a few teething problems with the car, but it's now performing just how we want," he added.

"All we need now is some extra sponsorship to help out. Having the Blackburn Rovers backing means it's a popular attraction in the paddock!"

The team have already attracted support from several local companies, including Greyhound Ford, Redcap Trailers, Greg Smith, Burnley, System Hygiene and East Lancs Box Company.

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