Manx rallying star Mark Higgins won the inaugural Moscow Rally Masters show in the Russian capital over the Easter weekend.

Driving a group n4 Subaru Impreza WRX STi, the three-time British rally champion beat former Russian champion Patrik Flodin, by 7.5 seconds.

Thousands of spectators gathered to watch the drivers tear through special stages held either side of the Moscow River.

Speaking to Russia Today about the event afterwards, Higgins said, "I think it's great. I mean, rallying is quite difficult to watch in a forest.

"You know, you've got to travel a long way away to get the normal stages. The beauty of here is bringing rallying to the people. It’s close by, it's very accessible.

"It's very different. We've got the water alongside. It's one of those types of event where you can really throw it away."