IRC Canon Mecsek Rallye Preview: The challenge

With the dust still settling on last week’s thrilling Barum Czech Rally Zlin, where Jan Kopecky beat Freddy Loix in the closest finish in Intercontinental Rally Challenge history, the all-action
series blasts back into life in Hungary next week when the Canon Mecsek Rallye joins the IRC schedule for the first time.

Based in the city of Pecs, the 2010 European Capital of Culture in the south-west of the country, the Mecsek Rallye has been a popular fixture on Hungary’s national calendar for 45 years and
previously ran as an IRC Supporter Event.

The stages, located in spectacular forest areas north of Pecs close to the Mecsek mountains, are characterised by their high-speed nature with average speeds of 130kph commonplace, although this will be tempered slightly with the use of artificial chicanes at certain points. Roads used are mainly flat, of medium width and with a good surface although there are some narrow sections that provide a
challenging contrast.

With the shortest competitive stage measuring 12 kilometres in length and the longest totalling 28 kilometres crews are set for a tough test, particularly if ambient temperatures continue to hover around 30 degrees centigrade, which they have done in recent weeks.

Huge numbers of fans typically converge on the rally route and that will swell with the addition of the IRC regulars on the bulging entry.

Uniquely the event gets underway with a prologue stage on Friday 9 September following a ceremonial start in Pecs’ main square. The 1.2-kilometre course doesn’t form part of the competitive action but serves as an introduction to the spectators of the competing
drivers.

The first day of competition, Saturday 10 September, features four special stages run twice totalling 144.46 kilometres in length. The first stage goes live at 09:08hrs local time with the first car not
due to tackle the day’s final stage until 20:39hrs, making for a demanding day for the crews and teams alike. Fortunately, several visits to the permanent service park, which is housed adjacent to the Expo Center Pecs, provide some respite.

Sunday’s route consists of three repeated stages totaling 107.40 kilometres. The terrain will be familiar to the crews as the stages are the same as those used on Saturday, albeit run in the
opposite direction and with a few changes to the distances. The first stage gets underway at 09:08hrs with the finishing ceremony taking place from 16:18hrs.

As well as forming round eight of the 11-event IRC series, the Canon Mecsek Rallye counts as the final round of the Hungarian championship where several drivers will by vying for the title in addition to
trying to make their mark against the IRC regulars. A national-level rally and an event for historic cars will run behind the main field.

All drivers competing in Pecs will be in contention for the prestigious Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy, which is awarded on all rounds of the IRC to the driver whose performance best embodies the
spirit of the rally legend.