Pech guns for Zlín IRC Production Cup glory

Václav Pech is expected to be the driver to beat in the new-for-2011 IRC Production Cup on Barum Czech Rally Zlín from 26-28 August.

The Czech ace will compete in his familiar Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, which he has upgraded to R4 specification. Petr Uhel will co-drive.

Pech, who finished sixth overall on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier last season, will go up against a host of rivals for the Group N category.

His opposition includes Ralliart driver Václav Arazim and Subaru Impreza trio Daniel Běhálek, Jan Šlehofer and Vojtěch Štajf.

Japan’s Fumio Nutahara, starting his second event in his Yokohama-backed Impreza R4, will be in contention, as will Jaromir Tarabus who has switched to a Lancer after contesting a handful of IRC rounds in 2010 in a Fiesta.

Italian Marco Cavigioli, a former IRC 2WD Cup champion, will begin his five-event IRC Production Cup bid in Zlín in a Lancer.