Andrew bids for top rally glory

The 29-year-old motorsport instructor, along with co-driver Danny Pearce is bidding for the chance to race in the 2006 Lisbon-Dakar rally raid.

Coley has been selected by a panel of judges to drive for the UK against nine other European crews in the semi-final of the televised 2005 Dakar Challenge.

He said: "We are obviously excited and honoured to be representing the UK in an international motorsport event. We were only given seven days' notice that we were in the semi-final, so the preparation has been flat out. We've been told very little about the weekend, but studying footage from last year's challenge on the 2005 Dakar DVD it looks incredibly tough!"

Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) and the French Motorsport Association (FFSA) have teamed up with Nissan Motorsport (NISMO) in order to give one lucky crew a chance to compete in the Lisbon-Dakar rally raid in a fully prepared Nissan Patrol.

The demanding selection process began at the beginning of November and the 10 semi-finalists include a host of international motorsport talent, ranging from WRC regulars to experienced rally raid drivers.

Coley says: "I have spent time training for the 4x4 elements with Ian Wright, multiple MSA British Trials Champion, as well as completing general fitness and compass navigation work. Danny has been to visit Dakar regular, KTM rider Patsy Quick, to get a better feel for navigation on the event. We hope to be 100 per cent prepared for the challenge ahead."

Coley's bid to win the 2005 Dakar Challenge will be featured in Motor Sports Now Magazine and British Rally Championship Magazine in the very near future.

Satellite TV channel Eurosport will cover the event in six half hour programmes, starting 10pm on Monday.