With more than a month still to go before the Team GMF Wyedean Forest Rally, entries have long since passed the 50 mark, giving the organisers, Forest of Dean Motor Club Ltd, a good indication of just how popular their event is going to be once again.

Among the first to arrive was that of 2007 Wyedean winners Hugh Hunter and Andy Marchbank.

Hunter, from Ruthin, has recently replaced his Ford Focus WRC, which took him to third overall on last year's rally, with a newer version and the intention is to mount an all-out assault on the REIS – Get Connected BTRDA Rally Series, of which the Wyedean is the opening round.

Hunter and Marchbank took the BTRDA Gold Star Championship title in 2008 and are well aware of what will be required for a repeat performance this year, not least of which is putting the opposition on the back foot by knocking in some good scores early on.

At this stage, just who that opposition will be remains a mystery but rest assured, anyone making a serious attempt at a championship will be present as it gets underway.

As has already been well documented, following a change in vehicle regulations, 2011 Wyedean winner, and BTRDA Gold Star Champion, Andy Burton's Peugeot Cosworth is no longer eligible to compete and, thus far, any plans the Kington driver may have for the new season are being kept firmly under wraps.

The popularity of the Historic category is on the increase, with former MSA British Historic Rally Champions Dessie Nutt and Geraldine McBride already committed to bring their Porsche 911 across from Northern Ireland and Cheltenham's Nick Elliott and Dave Price hoping to repeat their class win and two-wheel drive victory in 2011 in their Ford Escort.

Running at the front of the field, contenders for the 1400cc category always put on a good show and, to date, almost a third of the total entries received are from competitors in these 'small-engined' cars, with the MG ZR of Marlon Roberts and Steve Deeley being first out of the mailbag.

For those wishing to join them, the entries secretary is Lilian Turley. Call her on 01594 810161 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

For more information visit wyedeanrally.com