FAQs

  • 1. Who is eligible to take part in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge? Only crews in eligible cars built by one of the registered IRC manufacturers are permitted to score overall IRC points. Eligible cars are those built to Group A (up to A7), Group N1-N4 and R1-R4 regulations plus Super 2000 with normally aspirated 2.0-litre engines and Super 2000 cars with 1.6-litre turbocharged engines controlled by a 30mm air restrictor. Furthermore, the IRC 2WD Cup is open to any driver in a two-wheel drive car built to Group A (up to A7), Group N1-N3 and R1-R3 regulations. Drivers in approved Kit Cars and RGT cars homologated by the FIA, motorsport's world governing body, are also eligible for the IRC 2WD Cup. More information is contained in the 2012 IRC Sporting Regulations.
  • 2. How does the points system work? Before every rally, a list of the IRC-eligible competitors will be drawn up. At the finish, points will be allocated to those eligible crews (drivers and co-drivers) using the standard FIA scoring system (i.e. 25 points for first place down to one point for 10th place). The system also applies for eligible drivers in the IRC 2WD Cup and IRC Production Cup. For the IRC Manufacturers' championship and IRC 2WD Cup Manufacturers' championship, points will be awarded to the two highest-placed cars from each eligible make although all available points will be allocated even if a manufacturer's car finishes outside of the overall top 10.
    On the Cyprus Rally double points will be awarded.
  • 3. How are the championships decided at the end of the year? There are 13 rounds in total and the best eight scores will be taken into account at the end of the year to decide the final standings.
  • 4. Does an eligible crew have to compete on all the rounds in order to be eligible for IRC points? No, a crew can pick and choose the events they would like to do and still score points. One-off appearances are also allowed.
  • 5. What is the reasoning behind the calendar? The 13-event IRC schedule for 2012 offers a combination of classic events such as Tour de Corse, GEKO Ypres Rally and Rallye Sanremo and rallies in emerging territories such as Sibiu Rally Romania, Prime Yalta Rally and Rally Sliven. There is also a conscious effort to ensure a mix of asphalt and gravel events.
  • 6. What incentives exist for competing on the IRC? Apart from the prestige factor of competing on the high-profile IRC events, on every IRC round the IRC registered crews are the main show and so receive the appropriate amount of publicity. Eurosport - Europe's largest sports television channel - will broadcast extensive coverage from every round, including several events live. In addition, the IRC press office aims to achieve media coverage before, during and after each round, while the official IRC website,
    www.rally-irc.com, is updated daily.
  • 7. What is the philosophy behind the IRC and who is behind it? The IRC was established in 2007 and is organised and promoted by Eurosport Events, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurosport. The IRC aims to provide an accessible spectacle for fans in established and emerging territories, affordable competition for crews, teams and national importers, an opportunity for young drivers to showcase their talents plus an innovative television format including extensive live coverage and the use of SimulCam technology.
  • 8. How do I find out more or register? The 2012 IRC Sporting Regulations can be found at www.rally-irc.com. All sporting and commercial enquiries should be addressed to Antonello Lodoletti at alodoletti@eurosport.com. Television and media rights enquiries should be addressed to Antonios Argyropoulos at antonios@eurosport.com. Media enquiries should be addressed to Richard Rodgers at media@ircseries.com or by calling +44 7833 470541.