Jean-Pierre Nicolas appointed IRC Manager

Eurosport Events, the promoter of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, is delighted to confirm the appointed of Jean-Pierre Nicolas as IRC Manager with immediate effect.

Nicolas, a famed international-level rally driver who turned to team management with huge success after calling time on his own competition career, joined the Eurosport family for the IRC’s inaugural season in 2007.

Since then he has performed a key role in the ongoing success of the series by utilising his extensive expertise in the sport, particularly in organisation and on-event management, garnered over four decades.

Frenchman Nicolas steps up from his previous position as IRC Motorsport Development Manager, a role he has now completed. He will be responsible for coordination between the IRC and the competing teams, drivers and the local event promoters, while also providing managerial support to the on-event IRC team.

The move, confirmed ahead of this week’s fourth round, Giru di Corsica-Tour de Corse, signifies a change to the management structure of the all-action rally series, which has been implemented to streamline the various organisational processes.

Francois Ribeiro, Motorsport Business Director of Eurosport Events, explained: “Jean-Pierre’s contribution to the IRC has been tremendous and we are thrilled that he has accepted this new senior position. Jean-Pierre’s experience in rallying is vast and his increased input will ensure the series continues to go from strength to strength.”

Nicolas added: “I am very pleased to accept this new position. The IRC is dear to my heart and I have a lot of passion for the series and all those who continue to make it such a success. I want to make the most of my knowledge of being involved in the sport for more than 40 years and while everybody in the IRC will be the boss of their own areas, I will have a 360-degree view on what we all do so we will all work together better for the future.”

All other IRC managerial personnel will continue to provide their own expert knowledge to the series with Commercial Director Antonello Lodoletti now able to focus his attentions of growing commercial relationships with new and existing partners and event promoters. Meanwhile, Gilbert Roy who is responsible for Eurosport’s flagship coverage of the IRC continues as Director of Editorial and Programme Development