Vouilloz vows to be ready for IRC return

Former Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Nicolas Vouilloz says he will be fighting fit when he returns to the series on Rallye Monte-Carlo next month, despite not having driven in anger since finishing third on the legendary event back in January.

Vouilloz, who claimed the IRC title in 2008 for Kronos Racing, will drive a Skoda France-supported Fabia Super 2000 on the centenary edition of the rally alongside co-driver Benjamin Veillas.

"Although I have not been driving I have not just been sitting at home either," said the 34-year-old from France. "I have been busy working for a French mountain bike company. I have done some races and development work with them and have also been a team manager.

"I know it will be difficult to get back in a rally car after a long gap, especially because there are some long stages at the start of Rallye Monte-Carlo, but I will have done three tests by then and I will be fit and as well prepared as I can be."