Stellantis champions Danny Brady and Luke Constantine will take their first steps onto the European rally stages this weekend, as both drivers head to Hungary to tackle the Zemplén Rally in Peugeot 208 Rally4 machinery prepared by Tagai Racing Technology (TRT) and supported by Michelin Motorsport.
The prize-winning opportunity, awarded to the respective champions of the 2026 Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland and Stellantis Rally Trophy UK, will see the British and Irish drivers take on the final round of the Hungarian Rally Championship, an exciting new challenge on unfamiliar roads, with more than 155 kilometres of competitive closed-road stages awaiting them.
For both drivers, the opportunity represents one of the most significant rewards available in UK and Irish rallying, providing not only an international competition debut but the chance to work alongside one of the region’s leading professional rally teams and gain valuable experience beyond their domestic championships.
The event, based around Szerencs in north-eastern Hungary, is predominantly asphalt, but it will be far from a straightforward tarmac challenge. Alongside more than 155 kilometres of sealed-surface competition, the route features several kilometres of gravel sections incorporated into the stages, adding another layer of complexity to the tyre choices, car setup and driving approach.
With unpredictable autumn weather also expected to play its part, Brady and Constantine will need to adapt quickly to the unfamiliar roads and conditions as they take on a rally unlike anything they have experienced in their respective domestic campaigns.
Both crews will undertake a pre-event test with TRT on Wednesday, before completing reconnaissance ahead of Friday evening’s ceremonial start. Two full days of competition will then follow, giving the pair an opportunity to put their preparation into practice against a strong Hungarian field.
Danny Brady arrives in Hungary as the inaugural Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland champion, having secured the title after a season-long battle that went right down to the final round.
Co-driven by Damien Sheridan this weekend, Brady produced a consistent and increasingly competitive campaign in his Peugeot 208 Rally4, building momentum as the season progressed. A breakthrough maiden series victory came on the opening day of the Wexford Stages Rally, where Brady held off a determined challenge from Robert Cronin to take the win.
That result proved pivotal in keeping his championship hopes alive, particularly after the title fight was blown wide open at Wexford. Brady then capitalised on the opportunity at the Donegal Harvest Rally before heading into the Stonethrowers Rally knowing that a second-place finish or better would secure the inaugural crown.
In a dramatic final-round contest, Brady held his nerve to finish second, just 0.8 seconds behind Oran England after a late charge from his title rival. The result was enough to secure the championship by a single point, with Brady finishing on 101 points to England’s 100.
For Luke Constantine, the Hungarian adventure is the reward for a similarly impressive season in the Stellantis Rally Trophy UK.
Alongside co-driver Ifan Devine, Constantine secured the 2026 title at Rally Ceredigion with a round to spare, delivering a standout performance during one of the most demanding weekends of the campaign.
The pair arrived in Wales with a healthy championship advantage, but faced a significant challenge from their rivals across the unique double-header format. Constantine made an immediate impression on Friday night, establishing a 15-second lead over Oran England through the darkness before adding another strong result on Saturday.
With the championship ultimately coming down to a final-stage shootout on Sunday, Constantine delivered when it mattered most, setting a time 25 seconds quicker than closest rival Sam Mason to claim victory and the maximum points available.
The result confirmed the title and secured the Hungarian prize drive, adding another significant achievement to a season that has also seen Constantine establish himself among the leading contenders in the Junior British Rally Championship.
The Rally Zemplén prize drive is about more than simply adding an international event to the pair’s CVs. It provides a valuable opportunity to experience a different style of rallying, work within a professional team environment and develop their understanding of unfamiliar stages and conditions.
Both drivers will benefit from the support and experience of Tagai Racing Technology, with the Hungarian-based outfit providing the Peugeot 208 Rally4 cars and technical support throughout the event.
The opportunity will also extend beyond the competition itself.
Following Rally Zemplén, both champions will get the chance to realise a major ambition by testing the Lancia Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2, offering their first experience of the latest-generation Rally2 machinery and an exciting glimpse of the potential next steps in their rallying careers.
For two drivers who have earned their place through competitive success in their respective championships, it is a remarkable opportunity to experience a higher level of the sport and gain insight into the performance, technology and demands of a Rally2 car.
Luke Constantine said:
“I’m really looking forward to heading out to Hungary for Rally Zemplén. Coming off the back of winning the British Junior Rally Championship and the Stellantis Trophy UK, confidence is high, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain some valuable experience on some unfamiliar Hungarian roads.
“It’s going to be an exciting week, particularly with the opportunity to test the Lancia Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2, which is something I’m really looking forward to. Having the chance to experience a Rally2 car at this stage of my career is a huge opportunity, and I’m keen to see how I adapt to the new machine.
“With ambitions of progressing further in my rallying career in 2027, gaining experience outside the UK is incredibly important. Rally Zemplén will be another opportunity to develop as a driver, learn as much as possible from a professional team such as Tagai Racing Technology and hopefully come away with a safe but strong result.
“It’s been an incredible few weeks, but the focus now is firmly on continuing that momentum and taking the next steps in my career.”
With two domestic champions, two Peugeot 208 Rally4 cars and a completely new challenge ahead, Rally Zemplén offers Brady and Constantine the chance to turn a successful 2026 campaign into an experience that could prove hugely valuable for the future.
