The organisers of Rallye Sunseeker have received an entry from 2004 British Rally Champion David Higgins who will be driving his Hyundai Accent WRC on the Bournemouth-based event. Higgins has announced his intention to contest a series of events in Turkey this year, in addition to a limited programme of UK events beginning with Rallye Sunseeker.

One of a number of innovations introduced for this year's Rallye Sunseeker, the opening round of the MSA National Gravel Rally Championship, is a 'Shakedown' stage which will give competitors an ideal opportunity to test their cars before the start of the season. It will take place on Thursday 24th February and run under an MSA 'Practice Event' permit.

The stage is 2.1 miles long and replicates roads used on Rallye Sunseeker itself. Each driver will be allowed up to six attempts and, with a maximum of 60 participants, acceptance will be strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.