Donnelly plans IRC 2WD Cup campaign

Mark Donnelly is planning to contest several rounds of next year’s IRC 2WD Cup and will start the season as a title contender based on his performance on RACMSA Rally of Scotland in October.

The 20-year-old from Northern Ireland was leading the two-wheel-drive division in Scotland only for engine failure to force his early exit. He will contest this weekend’s French championship Rallye du Var in preparation for his IRC campaign in 2012.

“The rally will be completely different to anything I have done before,” said Donnelly. “The stages are very similar to those on the IRC programme so getting some experience is key. I don’t want to be heading into IRC events next year as a complete newcomer; I want to be as prepared as possible. I am not sure exactly what events I will be doing next year apart from Ypres, but this weekend will definitely help give me some extra confidence.”