Ten reasons why Rallye Sanremo will thrill

The all-action Intercontinental Rally Challenge resumes on Rallye Sanremo in Italy next week (12-13 October). Here are 10 reasons why the event will be one of the highlights of the 2012 season.

One: Leading IRC runners will go up against some of Italy’s best drivers making for an intense battle for glory on the challenging mountainous stages.

Two: Legendary Italian driver Paolo Andreucci is back on IRC duty on the event where he has claimed his sole IRC victory to date. Peugeot is still chasing its first IRC win of 2012.

Three: Craig Breen will make his IRC return with Saintéloc Racing. New co-driver Paul Nagle helped Kris Meeke to the IRC title in 2009 by winning in Sanremo.

Four: With the competitive action contained within a 25-hour window, the action will be non-stop.

Five: Kronos Racing, one of the most successful teams in IRC history, will field Harry Hunt in a Peugeot 207, the former IRC 2WD Cup champion’s Super 2000 debut in the IRC.

Six: The weather can be unpredictable with rain and even fog a possibility on the stages.

Seven: Run under the cover of darkness, the 44-kilometre Ronde Stage is one of the most arduous in the IRC.

Eight: Bryan Bouffier is back in the IRC armed with Peugeot’s all-new 208 R2, while fellow IRC event winner Bruno Magalhães will also return.

Nine: Sanremo is the last all-asphalt rally of the 2012 season. A high-speed fight is expected.

Ten: Vitaliy Pushkar, an exciting prospect for the future, will compete in the IRC Production Cup.