Basso is back in the IRC with A-Style Fiesta

Giandomenico Basso, one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, will return to the series on May’s Tour de Corse as part of a planned programme of appearances in the all-action contest in 2012.

Basso, a 38-year-old from Italy, has triumphed on four IRC events in the past and was a regular in the series with the factory PROTON team last year, starting six events and scoring points on two occasions for the Malaysian squad.

He has signed an agreement with the Italian A-Style team to drive an M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 in this year’s IRC alongside long-term co-driver Mitia Dotta.

“I’m absolutely delighted by this fantastic opportunity to return to international competition,” said Basso. “I’d like to thank the A-Style team for the faith that they have placed in me: I’ve always loved the IRC and international competition and I feel more motivated than ever by this fantastic new challenge. The Fiesta is going to be a brand new experience for me and I cannot wait to test it as soon as possible. My aim is to work together with the team so that we can fight on equal terms with the people at the very top. It’s an ambitious goal of course, but that is why we are here.”

A-Style team head Fabrizio Butti added: “This is a really important deal for us as it re-launches the hopes of Italy at the top of an important international series like the IRC: a championship that is still young but benefits from a huge amount of visibility through the incredible coverage on Eurosport.”

Tour de Corse runs from 9-12 May and counts as round four of the 13-event IRC season. Basso is also set to contest Rally San Marino and Rallye Sanremo in addition to other rounds, subject to extra sponsorship being found.