Auriol hunts backers to tackle Rallye Monte-Carlo

French rallying legend Didier Auriol is trying to secure an agreement to contest the centenary edition of Rallye Monte-Carlo, which opens next year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge season from 18-22 January.

The 52-year-old, a three-time winner of the famous event, has previous IRC experience from contesting Rallye Monte-Carlo in 2009 and Rally de Portugal in 2008.

He said: "I am trying to close a deal because I want to do the rally for the 100th anniversary. The problem is I have no sponsor but I try to find one."

Auriol added that a podium finish was a possibility, providing he could secure sufficient funding: "If I get a sponsor then I will try to have a top level car and if that is possible then I start to try for the podium, which is something I will always do because I always remain competitive."

Auriol is not the only former event winner planning to take part: Francois Delecour, the victor in 1994, has submitted an entry to drive a Peugeot 207 Super 2000 on the event, which has attracted interest from more than 250 crews and prompted organisers to consider raising the maximum number of starters from 100 to 150 for 2012.