IRC news before Rally Ireland (part 3)

Circuit legend McRae expects tough IRC qualifier

Seven-time Circuit of Ireland Rally winner Jimmy McRae has described round three of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge as “the most difficult asphalt rally of them all”.

McRae, the father rally legend and 1995 world champion Colin McRae, is a special guest of the event organisers this weekend and will be giving VIP guests a taste of the action in a rally-prepared road car. He is the most successful driver in the rally’s 80-year history.

When the Scot was competing in the 1970s and 80s, the event took place over five days around the entire island of Ireland and crews only slept for two nights.

“Mentally and physically it was tough: probably the toughest asphalt rally of them all,” said the Scot (pictured left). “These days, there’s nothing like the mileage that there used to be and the days of driving are much shorter. But the essential character of the roads always remains, so in that respect the challenge is just the same as it always was.”

McRae warned the competitors that the biggest challenges they will face over the next two days are bumpy roads, uncertain weather, and specialised local knowledge.

“The bumps are definitely the trickiest thing,” he said. “That’s what tends to catch out the people who haven’t been here before, so it’s important to get the suspension set-up right, especially the dampers. The weather can change a lot as well, and as the roads here are quite specialised, you tend to find the local drivers doing very well.”

This year’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally begins today with the Titanic Super Special Stage in Belfast at 17:00hrs local time.

Rain on shakedown a boost for Wiegand

Sepp Wiegand said he relished driving in the rain during shakedown for the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally on Thursday night.

While it made for difficult driving conditions, Wiegand was able to develop a wet-weather set-up for his ŠKODA Auto Deutschland Fabia Super 2000, while also sampling various tyre compounds.

“It’s always possible to have these conditions in the rally so now I have some experience,” said the rising German star, currently third in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge drivers’ standings. “The test road we used [on Tuesday] was quite smooth compared to the shakedown stage, which was more bumpy, so this gave us a chance to try a set-up for bumpy roads.”

He continued: “I am not here to win the rally, just gain experience, so I can try different things. It’s going to be a difficult rally and [Friday] will be my first time driving at night.”

Family affair for IRC returnee Fisher

It will be a special occasion for Alastair Fisher when he starts his first event of the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge season, this week’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland.

Fisher’s uncle, the late Bertie Fisher, is a three-time event winner and Fisher Jr is demonstrating all the traits that earned his famous relative legendary status prior to his death in a helicopter accident in 2001.

“It’s very, very special because what Uncle Bertie achieved winning the rally three times and everything else he did in his career is something I’m very proud of,” said Fisher, 23. “I certainly hope I can do a good result but it’s a long way between now and then. I just have to focus and do the best I can.”

Rory Kennedy will co-drive Fisher’s M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000. Kennedy partnered Bertie Fisher during his trio of Circuit of Ireland victories in the past.

No crazy driving from IRC champion Mikkelsen

Andreas Mikkelsen has promised no “crazy” driving when he returns to the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally for the first time since 2007.

Mikkelsen starts the Armagh-based event leading the Intercontinental Rally Challenge standings by 18 points following a win and a second place in the opening two events of the season.

The ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver was a regular on events in Ireland and Northern Ireland when he began competing while still a teenager.

He said: “Returning to Ireland this week has brought back a lot of memories from 2007 – specially how crazy I was when I was 17! If the stages were bumpy and narrow or wide and fast I didn’t care – I just used to drive flat-out everywhere! For sure I’ve returned to Ireland a little bit older and a little bit wiser, and hopefully that will get me through this weekend’s rally without too many problems.”

Hanninen: Circuit of Ireland debut will be difficult

Juho Hänninen is expecting a tough task when he tackles the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally for the first time today.

The 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion has never competed in Northern Ireland before but is one of the leading contenders for top honours when the 15-stage all-asphalt event begins with the Titanic Super Special Stage at 17:00hrs today (Friday).

“This event will be my premiere in Ireland and I believe it will be one of the most difficult asphalt rallies I have ever taken part in,” said the ŠKODA Motorsport driver. “The stages are fast but narrow, and the asphalt which is very different from the usual type is very likely to play a major role. If it rains, the roads will be dirty, which may be very tricky.”

So far, Hänninen has made one appearance in this year’s IRC taking a second-place finish on ŠATA Rallye Acores in February. He prepared for his Circuit of Ireland with two separate tests in Ireland over the last week.

Spectacular Titanic stage ready for action

Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally organiser Bobby Wills and Northern Ireland Tourism Minister Arlene Foster have overseen the final preparations for the Titanic Super Special Stage, which takes place in Belfast later today.

The 1.8-kilometre course forms the opening action of round three of the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge with tickets still available for the exciting spectacle.

“From 14:00hrs on Good Friday, Titanic Quarter will come alive with family entertainment, celebrity driving challenges, stunt motorcycles, and of course the main event at 17:00hrs,” said Willis.

“The first driver to take on this new spectacular stage will be none other than the reigning IRC champion, Andreas Mikkelsen. The Titanic Super Special Stage is a great opportunity for families to get out over the Easter weekend and see the amazing cars and action up close.

“Tickets for the Titanic Super Special Stage have been really popular, with sales from as far afield as Japan and Australia. If you haven’t got hold of a ticket yet, they will be available at the entrance to the stage on Queen’s Road, Belfast, from 14:00hrs on Good Friday. These tickets can be purchased for £12.50 and under-5s go free to this event.”

Rally organisers are expecting huge numbers to attend the event and spectators purchasing tickets at the entrance should arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Before the Titanic Super Special Stage goes live, Belfast’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile will be joined by Irish dancers and pipe bands as he waves off the first competitors at the ceremonial start at Belfast City Hall at 16:00hrs.

Arzeno gears up for Circuit of Ireland debut

Mathieu Arzeno says he is ready for his first appearance in this year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge following a successful test in Ireland on Monday.

Arzeno will contest a minimum of four IRC events in Peugeot’s latest-specification 207 Super 2000 run by the French Saintéloc Racing – Mister Auto team starting with this week’s Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally.

He said: “The test on Monday was a success and now I am ready for the rally. I have not been to this event before so it will not be easy for me so I am looking to learn.”

Arzeno, a former circuit racer, is one of two Peugeot 207 S2000 drivers in action on the Armagh-based event. Team-mate Craig Breen, from Ireland, will pilot a similar car.