Sandell guns for debut IRC podium

Patrik Sandell will target a podium finish when he makes his Intercontinental Rally Challenge debut on Tour de Corse-E.Leclerc next week in a Skoda Sweden-supported Fabia Super 2000.

The 29-year-old from Ostersund in Sweden will contest seven rounds of the IRC this season alongside experienced co-driver Staffan Parmander. He says a podium finish will be the perfect way to start his campaign.

“My two best results last year were on Tarmac so I will push for a podium in Corsica,” said Sandell. “I know there will be lots of other drivers who are also fast on Tarmac but I am confident.”

Sandell prepared for his IRC debut with a test and an outing on Rally Presov in Slovakia. Although the former Junior world champion reported that his test was a success, his rally was hampered when he picked up two front punctures on the same stage and lost eight minutes in the process.