Magalhaes excited ahead of IRC return

Bruno Magalhaes says he can’t wait to resume his Intercontinental Rally Challenge campaign when he contests the Canon Mecsek Rallye in Hungary from 9-11 September.

Magalhaes, a former IRC event winner, has endured a mixed start to his 2011 campaign at the wheel of a Peugeot Sport Portugal 207 S2000.

He missed last month’s Barum Czech Rally Zlin to regroup following his retirement from July’s Sata Rallye Acores when he was battling for a podium finish.

“I’m pleased to come back to the IRC”, said the 30-year-old from Lisbon. “I feel really confident after the pace we showed in Ypres and I really want to show my pace again. We have had some bad luck this season but I believe I can do a good result on what will be a new rally for everybody.”

Magalhaes will be looking to make the most of team manager Carlos Barros’ knowledge of the Canon Mecsek Rallye stages after Barros visited the event last season.

“Carlos has told me the stages will be fast with good grip in some places but not so good in others”, said Magalhaes. “But it’s only when I discover the route myself that I can understand the real challenge.”