Albertini expects tough IRC 2WD Cup battle

Stefano Albertini fears Jean-Michel Raoux will prove tough to beat as he aims to clinch the IRC 2WD Cup on this week’s Cyprus Rally.

Albertini, from Italy, heads Frenchman Raoux by 13 points heading into the season-decider in Pafos. But with double points on offer, Albertini expects a hard fight on the mixed-surface event.

“I have a good feeling with my [Clio R3] but Raoux is a much more experienced gravel driver so the competition will be tough”, said Albertini. “I enjoy gravel stages but my last rally on gravel was a year and a half ago.”

Honda Civic Type R driver Janos Puskadi also has a mathematical chance of winning the IRC 2WD Cup. The Hungarian competed in Cyprus last year but has a substantial points deficit to make up if he is to challenge for the crown.