IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge

A recent addition to the IRC family is the IRC Supporter Event scheme, allowing national events to benefit from the prestige of being associated with the IRC. This scheme will give every participating event the opportunity to increase its international standing while consolidating its reputation on a national level. IRC Supporter Event status will allow rallies to benefit from the strengths of the IRC brand, and to promote themselves internationally through on-demand video highlights available on the IRC website, www.rally-irc.com

Several events have already confirmed their participation in the scheme:

Targa Florio Rally (IT) - 8-9 May 2009

For more informations: www.targa-florio.it

The legendary Targa Florio is the one of oldest races in the world to have been continually run. It was originally promoted by Vincenzo Florio, the scion of a prominent Sicilian family of entrepreneurs. After World Wars I and II, the Targa Florio became valid for the World Makes' Championship in GT racing, with sports cars from Porsche, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo winning the event. The list of past competitors reads like a roll call of motor racing's greats: Moss, Maglioli, Bonnier, Hill, Muller, Elford, Vaccarella, Bandini, Gendebien, Larrousse, Siffert and Redman. From 1978 the race switched its focus to rallying, becoming valid for the European Championship, FIA Rally Cup and for the Italian Rally Championship. Since 1978 the winners have included more star names such as Andruet, Cerrato, Tognana, Cunico, Liatti, Travaglia, Longhi and Andreucci. The special stages are run on the Madonie mountains, 50km from Palermo (Sicily's capital) and some of them are very similar to those of the “Piccolo circuito delle Madonie” (the 'short' Madonie circuit - which is 72 km long) that used to be valid for the World Makes' Championship. The rally begins from the city centre of Palermo, on Friday night, with a stunning ceremonial start. Thousands of spectators then follow the action all over the weekend, on spectacular stages that showcase both Sicily's spectacular mountains and its coastline.

Hokkaido Rally (JP) - 10-12 July 2009

For more informations: http://www.rally-hokkaido.com/

The Hokkaido Rally, which takes place on the northernmost island of Japan, is one of the country’s oldest and best-known motorsport events, which has been a round of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and also provided some of the stages for Japan’s round of the World Rally Championship. The all-gravel stages tend to be fast and narrow, consisting mainly of straights into tight 90-degree corners. Getting the braking for these corners right is one of the biggest challenges that this rally presents, particularly as there are many trees and ditches lining the sides of the road. The event is held close to the city of Obihiro, which is surrounded by many of Japan’s most famous ski resorts. The mountain roads that lead up to the resorts form the majority of the stages, in the Tokachi region – which is well known for its local beer. The area has strong links with global sport, as nearby Sapporo has previously hosted the Winter Olympics and also the football World Cup. The island of Hokkaido is on the same latitude as Siberia in Russia, meaning that the weather conditions can be extremely variable. In particular, the area is prone to heavy rainfall – which helps the local rice producers, but makes life very difficult for rally drivers! With Japan being a world-renowned centre of automotive excellence, the Japanese public is extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about rallying, making the Hokkaido Rally one of the highlights of the IRC Supporter programme this year.

Allianz Rally (HU) - 30 July-1 Aug 2009

For more informations: www.mecsekrallye.hu/

The Allianz Rally is one of Hungary’s oldest and best-known rallies, taking in some demanding asphalt stages close to the centre of the country. Some well-known foreign visitors have boosted the burgeoning ranks of Hungarian rally stars in recent years, underlining the event’s status as one of Europe’s premier sporting fixtures. The Hungarian stages take in a wide variety of asphalt roads, ranging from smooth and clean tarmac to broken and rutted farm tracks. Cars tend to cut the corners quite aggressively to find the fastest line, meaning that there are several areas of loose gravel to catch competitors out and provide some memorable sideways action! The event is also well-known for its spectacular scenery, with several lakes and hills making the Allianz Rally a favourite both for fans and photographers. Counting for a round of the Hungarian national championship, the event’s profile takes a new step up this year as it joins the IRC Supporter Event programme for the first time. Thanks to a warm local welcome and crowded entry list, the Allianz Rally is one of the highlights of the IRC Supporter Event package.

Rallye Coeur de France (FR) - 29-30 August 2009

For more informations: www.rallyecoeurdefrance.org

The Rallye Coeur de France – which, as the name suggests, is held in the heart of the country – is one of France’s leading asphalt rallies, providing some of the most technically demanding stages to be found anywhere. The competitive action on this premier division rally runs between the picturesque towns of Tours and Amboise, with the backdrop of the stunning Loire Valley: home to several imposing chateaux and some of France’s finest wines. Covering two days, the drivers have to cope with a wide variety of different stages – and there is always the risk of uncertain weather. As a well-established event in the region, the Rallye Coeur de France benefits from a high-turn of enthusiastic spectators and teams. With grip levels being variable, the role of the co-driver in reading out a precise and accurate set of pace notes is crucial. An intriguing mix of cars usually takes the start of this well-known event, adding yet another fascinating dimension to one of France’s best-loved rallies.

Rallye International du Valais (CH) - 29-31 October 2009

For more informations: www.riv.ch

Switzerland's premier rally runs through the beautiful mountains of the Valais region. Having a reputation for top quality organisation and hospitality, this event will provide a challenge to the teams. Weather conditions are normally cold and icy, providing an extra element of unpredictability. The event has formed part of the IRC calendar since the series first started in 2007, and it witnessed Nicolas Vouilloz crowned as the 2008 IRC drivers’ champion. With varying levels of grip – including brief sections of gravel – the Rallye International du Valais provides an awesome test for drivers and teams, taking in some of Europe’s best-known skiing resorts such as Verbier and Crans-Montana.

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