Excitement builds ahead of Circuit of Ireland Rally

The Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland begins in Belfast a week tomorrow with a thrilling battle for victory expected between some of the best drivers from the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Juho Hänninen, IRC champion in 2010, current title-holder Andreas Mikkelsen, and Jan Kopecký, runner-up in the IRC for the past three seasons, will all be competing on the event. And with the trio taking part in identical ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000s, the fight for top honours is likely to go down to the final corner of the final stage.

Circuit of Ireland Director Bobby Willis said: “The entry list is really strong for this year’s Circuit. The interest and support from the many international drivers wanting to get involved has been fantastic.”