Wittmann plans Açores IRC comeback

Franz Wittmann has vowed to return to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge on Sata Rallye Açores next month after pulling his entry from the Geko Ypres Rally, which takes place from 24-26 June.

The Austrian, 26, has failed to finish the three IRC rounds he has started so far this season and crashed heavily on Rally d’Italia-Sardegna earlier this month, which left his Interwetten Racing Peugeot 207 Super 2000 with extensive damage.

“There is a lot of damage, which is often a problem with the Super 2000 cars,” said Wittmann. “But we did not want to rush into another rally still carrying the baggage from Sardinia. I’m so sad to do three mistakes on three consecutive rallies. Now I have to think hard how I can get this out of me.”

Wittmann added: “We have to bring the car to the finish line on the next rally before we can think about going faster. I still don’t have much experience but I will stay positive because I have a great opportunity and I am very ambitious to make the most of it.”

Wittmann, who is co-driven by Germany’s Klaus Wicha, was in a battle for fifth place in Sardinia when he crashed into retirement. Sata Rallye Açores takes place from 15-17 July.