Andreucci: IRC battles the hardest yet

Paolo Andreucci says the competition he faced on two rounds of this year´s Intercontinental Rally Challenge was the hardest he has ever known during a career that spans more than two decades.

Andreucci finished second on Rally d’Italia-Sardegna in June before winning Rallye Sanremo in late September in a Peugeot Italia-backed 207 Super 2000. The results enabled him to clinch eighth place in the final IRC drivers’ standings.

“I enjoyed the competition but it was probably the hardest I have ever faced,” said the 45-year-old multiple Italian champion, who was co-driven by fellow Italian Anna Andreussi.

Andreucci’s programme for 2011 remains fluid although he is planning to defend his Rallye Sanremo crown when the asphalt event runs from 22-24 September.

He also revealed that he had tried to contest Rallye Monte-Carlo in January but was unable to secure a deal to take part on the centenary edition of the event.