IRC news before Rally Ireland (part 2)

IRC rookie Consani gets set for hardest rally

Robert Consani says the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally will be the hardest event he’s ever tackled during his three-year competition career.

Consani, who is eligible for IRC 2WD Cup and IRC Production Cup honours in the Renault Mégane RS he shares with co-driver Nicolas Klinger, is competing on the asphalt event for the first time.

After completing his initial runs during tonight’s shakedown, held in wet conditions, the Frenchman said: “This rally is very, very difficult, the most difficult I have done. I have never seen roads like this with all the bumps.”

Despite his lack of familiarity with the terrain, Consani says he has developed an effective set-up on his car.

“We have a good set-up for the bumpy conditions, which is important,” he said. “For the rally we have to start more slowly before we see where we can be. I know it will be difficult but for the night stages [on Friday] I don’t mind.”

Ten of the best of Krózser and Honda in the IRC

Menya Krózser has revealed exciting plans to contest at least 10 rounds of this year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

The Hungarian, who tackled the season-opening SATA Rallye Açores, will drive a Gyula Hering Honda Civic Type R and will be one of the favourites for IRC 2WD Cup honours alongside co-driver György Papp.

“I’m looking to partner with Gyula Hering for about 10 rallies in this year’s IRC, which can provide me with a real edge,” said Krózser, who will compete under the MHH Racing Team banner. “Nothing is confirmed just yet and we’ll only be in a position to decide which rallies these are after this weekend.”

Krózser drove his Honda during a recent test in Hungary in preparation for the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally from 6/7 April. He said: “I was very satisfied with the driving style of the car and the work of the mechanics.”

Newcomer Jennings keen on more IRC outings

Garry Jennings hopes a strong result on the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally, which gets underway with a superspecial stage in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter on Friday afternoon, will lead to more appearances in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

The Northern Irish driver is an established frontrunner on events in his homeland driving a Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer. He now wants to demonstrate his talents further afield.

He said: “I am hoping we can score a good result on the Circuit and if we can then piece together a deal with our sponsors to take part on further rounds of the IRC series it would be amazing. I have always been tempted to do the Ypres Rally in Belgium but the close proximity on the calendar to Donegal has always stood in the way.

“Watching events like Barum Rally Czech Rally Zlín and Rallye Sanremo all entice me but finding the budget will be the key. New rallies and different challenges are part of the enjoyment of this sport, finding the best set-up, adjusting your driving style to suit to different road characteristics are all attributes I feel our team does well.”

Jennings and co-driver Barry McNulty will be among the favourites for IRC Production Cup honours on the Armagh-based event. They are seeded number eight and the highest of the non-Super 2000 cars in action.