Honda duo push for IRC 2WD success

Estonian Martin Kangur and Hungarian János Puskádi will front Honda’s push for IRC 2WD Cup honours on the Canon Mecsek Rallye in Hungary this week.

Honda moved to the top of the IRC 2WD Cup manufacturers’ table with a strong performance on Barum Czech Rally Zlín last month. Now drivers Kangur and Puskádi will be looking to close the gap to Jean-Michel Raoux, who heads the pilots’ standings in his Clio R3.

“In the Czech Republic I showed that I can drive in front, but the Mecsek Rallye is a whole new challenge,” said Kangur. “It’s my first time here, but for other contestants this is their home rally.”

The 19-year-old continued: “To prepare we have been working hard with JAS Motorsport to test three different types of set-ups: the configuration of the chassis of the Barum Rally as the starting point; a softer set-up for any potential rainfall and finally one which drove well in Ypres.”

Hungarian driver Puskádi said: “The Mecsek is the oldest of the six rallies in the Hungarian championship and also one of the prettiest competitions on asphalt. Martin is probably the favourite here followed I think by Gyula Hering, Ferenc Lévai and myself. Indeed, after a disappointing performance on the Barum Rally, I’m aiming at least for a third place in my home rally.”

Other IRC 2WD Cup contenders in Hungary include Eric Mauffrey and Stefano Albertini, the category winner in Zlín.