Yalta IRC 2WD Cup success for Raoux

Jean-Michel Raoux has moved to the top of the IRC 2WD Cup standings with his maiden victory in the category on the Prime Yalta Rally, which took place from 2-4 June.

Raoux, from France, was making his third appearance of the season in the two-wheel-drive division aboard his Clio R3 and claimed the lead when Belgian Mégane RS driver Cedric Cherain went off the road on stage seven on Friday afternoon. As a result of his triumph Raoux goes six points clear in the IRC 2WD Cup classification.

Vlad Cosma, from Romania, finished second with János Puskádi taking third at the wheel of a Honda Civic Type R, to move up to ninth in the drivers’ classification, one place ahead of defending champion Harry Hunt, who opted not to include the Yalta Rally on his schedule.

One of the most remarkable performances in the class came from the Georgian crew of Archil Bidzinashvili and Georgi Arjevanidze who not only drove their Civic Type R on the demanding Ukrainian stages but also worked as the two-man service crew due to their limited funds, which also meant they slept in their service van throughout the event.

The combined efforts of Puskádi and Bidzinashvili means Honda moves ahead of Peugeot in the IRC 2WD Cup manufacturers’ table.