IRC Flyers to Chase Azores Trophy
Drivers tackling the Grupo Marques Super Special Stage on SATA Rallye Acores next week won't just be aiming to go as fast as possible through the fan-friendly test - they will also be trying to 'fly' as far as they can.
The spectacular jump that characterises the spectator special has been modified for this year's Intercontinental Rally Challenge season-opener to encourage competitors to 'jump' as far as possible for a chance to win a new trophy that has been pledged by the event organisers.
Measuring 2.20 kilometres in length, the stage will be run twice, once on Thursday 23 February and once on Saturday 25 February.
Other improvements to the stage, where competitors compete against each other in pairs, include new spectator viewing areas aimed at avoiding traffic jams and the relocation of a giant screen.
Honda gets Defensive with Civic Upgrades
Honda won't be resting on its laurels when it begins its IRC 2WD Cup title defence on SATA Rallye Acores from 23-25 February.
Despite winning the prestigious IRC 2WD Cup manufacturers' crown in 2011 with its Civic Type R, the Japanese car make is homologating a series of upgrades from 1 April designed to maintain the machine's competitiveness in 2012 and beyond.
"The most important evolutions include an improved Mugen-tuned engine, lightweight dashboard, new gearbox with the newly homologated set of ratios and rear anti-roll bar," explained William De Braekeleer, Honda Motor Europe Motorsport Manager. "We want to continue to give opportunities to up-and-coming talents and bring the joy of rallying to a larger audience. These upgrades reflect that vision."
The homologated parts will be available through JAS Motorsport, Honda's Racing Customer Support partner.
Peugeot Confirms 207 Replacement
Peugeot has announced the car that will take over from its all-conquering 207 Super 2000, the 208 R4T.
Set for action from the start of 2013, the R4T is currently being designed at Peugeot Sport's Customer Competition Department in France.
The R4T complies with the latest technical regulations laid down by the FIA, motorsport's world governing body. Peugeot will also produce an R2-specification 208 for novice and amateur drivers.
Meanwhile, Bryan Bouffier and Bruno Magalhaes will spearhead Peugeot's challenge on the opening event of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge season, SATA Rallye Acores, from 23-25 February. Magalhaes is a former winner of the island contest. Both will drive Peugeot's 207 S2000.
More Work for Multitasking Gardemeister
Not content with running his own team and driving in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, Toni Gardemeister is now embarking on the next stage of his career: event organisation.
Gardemeister, who placed ninth in last season's IRC drivers' standings, will assist in designing stages, devising the route, preparing the itinerary and organising the service park layout for the Talvirally, a national cup event in Valkeala in his native Kouvola region of Finland from 3/4 March.
"I am very happy to do this work," said Gardemeister. "As a current rally driver I try to find roads that could be interesting for competitors and guarantee a great battle."
Gardemeister is still trying to find the finances to contest several rounds of the IRC in a SKODA Fabia S2000 run by his team, TGS Worldwide.