Honda moves to the top in IRC 2WD Cup

Honda has shot into the lead of the IRC 2WD Cup manufacturers’ standings following its maximum score on Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés last week.

Angel Marrero (pictured) and Germán Hernandez, in a pair of Civic Type Rs, were the highest-placed eligible finishers on the asphalt rally, the second event of the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge season.

“With the exception of an unexpected threadbare left front tyre on stage 12, which lost us nearly a minute, we didn’t have any problems,” said Marrero, who drives for Juan Armas Canarias Racing Team. “And we are really happy that we scored again for Honda in the IRC.”

Hernandez was competing in a Civic Type R for the first time. Afterwards the Norauto driver said: "We were missing a bit of rhythm and definitely need a better understanding of the Civic Type R. We also need to work on the set-up, especially suspension and tyre choice. But for our first experience with the Civic Type R, it’s a fantastic result.”

Honda claimed its first IRC 2WD Cup manufacturers’ crown in 2011, ending Peugeot’s three-year winning streak.