Impressive Hunt bags IRC 2WD Cup victory

Not even an enforced gearbox change following an oil leak on Friday’s final stage could knock Harry Hunt off his stride as the Briton scored an impressive IRC 2WD Cup win to move clear in the title race.

Co-driven by Robbie Durant, Hunt, the 2010 class champion, drove without error and preserved his car and tyres perfectly over the gravel stages, which became increasingly rough as the event drew to a close.

“I’m so happy,” said the 23-year-old from London. “We had a minute leading coming into today and it seems easy but you know if you get a puncture or something like that then it’s all over. The guys in the team did a great job in service getting the gearbox change done, in fact we’ve all done a great job. It’s great to get the car to the finish and get some points.”

Paolo Diana took second ahead of fellow Italian Renault Clio R3 driver Oscar Vettore following a succession of stage wins nearing the end of the event.

Catwees Honda Racing’s young Estonian Martin Kangur started the event in the joint lead of the standings with Hunt only for his Civic Type R’s powersteering to falter.

There was late drama for Robert Consani who retired his Clio on the very last stage having looked set for a podium finish.