Andreucci stakes early claim for Sanremo

IRC success Paolo Andreucci has marked himself out as one to watch when the Intercontinental Rally Challenge returns to Rallye Sanremo in October following his comfortable victory on the opening round of the Italian championship last weekend.

As well as counting as the penultimate event of the 2012 IRC season, Rallye Sanremo is the final round of the Campionato Italiano Rally, the Italian Rally Championship.

And Andreucci, who triumphed in Sanremo in 2010, is set to be among the favourites for victory in the Peugeot 207 S2000 he shares with co-driver Anna Andreussi based on his impressive performance on Rally il Ciocco, which he won by going fastest on every single stage.

“I’m very happy with this latest victory on my home rally,” said Andreucci, who has now won the asphalt event on six occasions. “However, we are not taking anything for granted: last year we had a very good season but the competition is always strong and we need to keep pushing throughout the year.”