IRC flyers to chase Azores jump trophy

Drivers tackling the Grupo Marques Super Special Stage on SATA Rallye Acores next week won’t just be aiming to go as fast as possible through the fan-friendly test - they will also be trying to ’fly’ as far as they can.

The spectacular jump that characterises the spectator special has been modified for this year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge season-opener to encourage competitors to ’jump’ as far as possible for a chance to win a new trophy that has been pledged by the event organisers.

Measuring 2.20 kilometres in length, the stage will be run twice, once on Thursday 23 February and once on Saturday 25 February.

Other improvements to the stage, where competitors compete against each other in pairs, include new spectator viewing areas aimed at avoiding traffic jams and the relocation of a giant screen.