HEREFORD rally driver will be taking part in his toughest challenge yet today as locks horns with some of the world's greats in the WRC Wales Rally GB.

Scott Partridge normally only competes in the two-day Wales Rally GB national event, but has decided to make the step up.

"When I was young I used to go and watch Colin McRae and Richard Burns and I wished I was them," said Partridge

"I don't think anyone from Hereford has ever entered the WRC before.

"I will be car number 110 and will be seeded 72nd in the world.

"So it will be quite a challenge and I just want to finish the weekend.

"The car has had a lot of wok done to it, so all I want to do is make sure it's reliable.

"The Friday stages are as long as the Wyedean Rally, with some being 22 to 24 miles long.

"It is a big challenge and will be the equivalent of a Formula1 Grand Prix."

Partridge works as a chef for luxurious yacht MY Leander in Monaco and has even cooked for the Queen.

And it was while on his yacht that he started talking to An American diner who ended up sponsoring him.

"He's a really nice guy from Texas and him and his wife sponsor the car," added Partridge.

There will be 20 stages during the four days, covering just over 300 kilometres, with all sorts of conditions awaiting the drivers.

After tonight's curtain-raiser, tomorrow's opening leg includes classic Myherin, Sweet Lamb and Hafren stages.

All are driven twice, with just a pause for fresh tyres splitting the passes.

A marathon 17-hour Saturday includes a double loop of stages in Dyfi and Gartheiniog, before two night tests close the action.

The final leg is the most northerly, with the picturesque Brenig again forming the final live TV Power Stage.

"I had to have a stress related ECG done to get my international competition licence, so it's quite a big deal," said Partridge.