Basso still hopeful of more IRC outings

Giandomencio Basso is determined to contest at least two rounds of this year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge after he was forced to withdraw from next month’s Rali Vinho Madeira.

Basso had been due to drive an Abarth Grande Punto Super 2000 on the Tarmac rally but delays finalising the necessary budget means he won’t be able to chase a fourth win on the island.

The 36-year-old is already due to contest Rallye Sanremo, which doubles as a round of the Italian championship, in September, and is now exploring the possibility of competing on another IRC qualifier, with Barum Czech Rally Zlín and RACMSA Rally of Scotland among the events he is considering.

“I’m disappointed not to be going to Madeira but I would like to try to do some other IRC events this year,” said Basso. “Barum could be good because it’s just before [the Italian championship] Rally Friuli Alpi Orientali and I need to get some practice. I also like driving on gravel so I would look at doing Scotland.”