SUCCESS at the Trackrod Rally Yorkshire has left York University student Oliver Marshall with a tough choice.

The talented 21-year-old finished 14th overall in the race, one better than York's British Touring Car champion James Thompson, and was first in the British Rally Championship A7 Class to take the series title at the first attempt.

And with dreams and aspirations of winning the World Rally Championship, Marshall knows he has taken the first steps in the right direction.

Marshall is already set to race in the Peugeot Winter Series, starting in December, before taking on the best drivers in the Peugeot 206 Cup - which is again part of the British Rally Championships.

But after taking a year out to concentrate on his driving, Marshall, who runs his own preparation company, Prospeed Motorsport, near Escrick, is due to restart his biology course for the Easter term.

"I went to university at York doing biology, but after 18 months I decided it wasn't for me, so I left to take a year out," explained Marshall. "I should return for the Easter term.

"I don't want to put out anyone from the biology department, but it would be relatively silly of me not to take my chance."

The Peugeot 206 will be the next step on the ladder as Marshall looks to emulate Colin McRae on the world stage.

"This will be 1600 cars, so it is a step down in that respect," explained Marshall. "But it is a big step up in competing as everyone has the same cars and equipment.

"If you win this then you are classed a really quite good.

"I want to go on to race in the World Rally Championship and win it - you've got to aim high."

Marshall has every reason to look to the top, having beaten his closest rival by 22 minutes to take the A7 Class victory at the Trackrod Rally to secure the title.

Racing his bright red VW Golf, Marshall racked up a five-minute lead over fellow title challenger Kate Heath, from Lincoln, after day one and he continued where he left off for day two to finish clear in front.

Marshall will now race his Peugeot at the Tempest Stages rally later this month, before heading across to test in Finland.

Updated: 12:38 Saturday, October 05, 2002