SWARTHMOOR’S Tom Woodburn swaps Britain for Barbados on Sunday as the emerging young co-driver sits alongside Paul Bourne on the Valvoline Rally.

The 19-year-old will look to assist Bourne and CA1 Sport in their 2007 Focus WRC in a competition seen by many as a shakedown ahead of May’s Sol Rally Barbados event.

Looking ahead to the biggest ride of his fledgling career, Woodburn – an engineering apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover – is brimming with anticipation and aiming high.

“Paul says he is fully up to speed and going for the win,” he said.

“So for my first experience of a World Car, to be in one that should be running at the front is something that is really exciting.

“I’ve obviously sat in a WRC before, but co-driving one which is pushing for victory is going to require me to be on the top of my game.

“I will be looking to justify the trust Paul and CA1 have placed in me.”

Woodburn spent the weekend gaining some competitive seat time ahead of his Caribbean stint by co-driving with Aaron Newby in his Subaru Impreza on the Lookout Stages.

The pair dominated the event, enjoying a lead of more than 20 seconds until a mechanical problem a mile from the final stage denied the duo victory.