Van Dalen: Wilks can challenge for IRC glory

Kronos Racing boss Marc van Dalen is more convinced than ever that Peugeot UK driver Guy Wilks will be a contender for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge title in 2011.

Van Dalen’s Belgian team is running Wilks’ Peugeot 207 Super 2000 in the IRC this season, having guided Nicolas Vouilloz and Kris Meeke to the IRC titles in 2008 and 2009 respectively.

After Wilks secured third place on his debut with the squad on Rallye Monte-Carlo in January, van Dalen has been left in no doubt that Wilks can challenge for the coveted drivers’ crown.

“Guy did a very good job on Monte-Carlo,” said van Dalen. “If you look at his stage times his performance was very impressive, particularly as he did not know the car or the tyres. It was very satisfying to see him at this level and I’m sure he can fight for the title.”