Trelles makes comeback on IRC event

Gustavo Trelles has revealed how he used last weekend’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier in Argentina to start his first major rally for almost a decade.

Trelles, a regular on events around the world until shortly after the turn of the new millennium, hadn’t competed since retiring following Rally Argentina in 2002.

But the 54-year-old from Uruguay came out of retirement earlier this season and Rally Argentina marked his first international rally.

“I thought I’d never rally again, but once you have done this sport it is always in your heart,” he said. “Since I retired eight years ago I have not even been to watch a rally, but for sure I am really happy to be back.”

After being slowed by his Mitsubishi Lancer’s brakes boiling on day one, Trelles was in contention for a top 10 finish until he clouted a rock on the penultimate stage of the event and broke his car’s steering.

Trelles is also planning an entry on Sata Rallye Açores, which is scheduled to run from July 15-17 and count as the seventh round of the series.