Meeke: 2011 IRC title race too close to call

Former Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Kris Meeke says this year’s title race will be wide open with at least five drivers in with a shot of the coveted prize.

With 2010 title-winner Juho Hänninen planning a selected programme of IRC events this season rather than an all-out bid for glory, Meeke has listed Bryan Bouffier, Jan Kopecký, Freddy Loix, Andreas Mikkelsen and Thierry Neuville as the five drivers he believes are most likely to emulate the Finn’s achievements by ending the year as IRC champion.

Meeke, who won the 2009 IRC crown with Peugeot UK, said: “Jan Kopecký has been close for the last two seasons but he’s made a few mistakes. Andreas Mikkelsen is showing more and more maturity and could do really well. Thierry Neuville is getting more and more experience, you’ve got Freddy Loix and there’s also Bryan Bouffier to watch if he gets a full programme.”

The 2011 IRC gets underway with the centenary edition of Rallye Monte-Carlo from 18-22 January. The event will enjoy extensive live television coverage on Eurosport.