Didier Auriol, who claimed the World Rally Championship in 1994, is set to become the first former World Rally Champion to join the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Auriol is scheduled to drive a privately-run Abarth Grande Punto on the Vodafone Rally of Portugal from May 8-10 and he is not excluding the possibility of further outings in the car, depending on budget. The Frenchman will be navigated by his long-time partner Denis Giraudet.

“There are still some details to finalise with this deal, but I’m feeling reasonably confident that it will go ahead,” said the 49 year-old, who has been out of full-time competition since the end of 2003. “I’ve got absolutely no idea how I will compare to the younger guys who have been driving Super 2000 cars all the time: it will be very interesting for me to find out. Of course I am only driving for fun, but you always want to be competitive.” Auriol was France’s very first World Rally Champion, and he also previously held the record for the most number of rallies won in one season.

Spaniard Dani Sola, who starred on last year’s inaugural Intercontinental Rally Challenge with Honda, is planning to contest at least four IRC events this year – this time in a Super 2000 Abarth Grande Punto. The former Junior World Rally Champion has already sampled four-wheel drive Super 2000 machinery on selected rallies last year, and he is hoping to figure amongst the IRC frontrunners this season. Sola’s programme will take in Turkey, Portugal, Belgium and Russia as confirmed events, but he is hoping to extend it further. His car will be run by Italian team Procar.

“I hope that I will be able to use my experience of the IRC events to fight for overall victories,” said the 33 year-old. “Of course this will not be easy as the level of competition will be extremely high. One thing is for sure though: I will be trying my hardest. Hopefully I will be able to help Abarth in the IRC manufacturers’ standings this year. If we do well, then of course I would like to complete the full season. I think that the IRC is looking very strong now, as there are some really good drivers on board.”

Sola proved himself capable of pulling off some giant-killing acts in the two-wheel drive Honda Civic R3 last year, including running as high as sixth overall on the Rally Russia. Sola will once more be co-driven by Oscar Sanchez, and in addition to his IRC programme he will compete on the Spanish gravel championship in a Mitsubishi Lancer.