Basso plans IRC comeback

Giandomenico Basso wants to return to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge this season and has revealed that he came close to securing a drive on last week´s Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo.

Basso’s last appearance in the IRC was on Rally Principe de Asturias in September 2009 when he was in contention for victory in a factory Abarth Grande Punto before he dropped back with a spin.

Despite winning the IRC round in Madeira and the European Rally Championship title last season, the Italian is currently without a drive for 2010.

He said: “We looked at a drive for Monte Carlo but unfortunately it didn’t work out. Now I am a free agent and open to offers of drives with other teams. I’ve not been in this situation before but I am not bitter either because I had many good times with Abarth. It is difficult when you step out of a factory team environment but I would love to get back into the IRC and build on the experience I have gained.”

Basso, 36, is Abarth’s most successful driver in the IRC with four wins to his credit.