Albertini top in IRC 2WD Cup

Stefano Albertini followed his maiden victory in the IRC 2WD Cup with another win, but his victory in the Canon Mecsek Rallye was a much tighter affair.

With a strong field of local entrants from the national rally championship, all of whom were familiar with the unique challenges of this event, the IRC regulars faced many challenges from the first day.

Menyhért Krószer, driving a Citroen DS3 R3T, set the early pace, and by the end of the day only Albertini was close. Krószer led by 15.0s, with third placed Ollé Sasa 1m12.1s behind in his Suzuki Swift S1600. It was clear that, barring incidents, victory would fall to Krószer or Albertini.

On day two Albertini attacked from the off, overturning Krószer’s advantage to take the lead by lunchtime service. Here co-driver Simone Scattolin sounded a note of caution.

"We are driving to win," he said, "but also to arrive at the finish because we need the points."

Krószer counter-attacked after lunch, but on SS13 Albertini outpaced him by 9.5s to create a cushion that would endure Krószer’s final assault on SS14. He ran out the victor by 19.1s, while third-placed Sasa Ollé finished 4m01.6s behind.