Barros impressed by Mecsek organisation

Peugeot Sport Portugal boss Carlos Barros has praised the organisation of the Mecsek Rallye in Hungary, which will join the Intercontinental Rally Challenge schedule for the first time next year.

Barros was in the country last month to follow the 43rd running of the rally, titled the Allianz Rallye in deference to its title sponsor. The rally has enjoyed IRC Supporter Event status for the last two seasons.

"The organisation was very good and the way things were run was very impressive," said Barros, who oversaw Bruno Magalhaes’ successful IRC bid in 2010. "The stages this year were all on Tarmac but next year there will be gravel as well and this will be interesting."

Barros drove through the stages in a safety vehicle and reported large numbers of spectators lining the route: "It was one hour before the stage went live but already there were a lot of people around. Rallying is clearly popular in Hungary are there were some good drivers in action."

The Mecsek Rallye is scheduled to run from 9-11 September, 2011, and will count as round nine of the IRC.