The factory Skoda team has decided to send two cars to South America for the next events on the IRC calendar. This shows an increase in Skoda’s rally program for 2010 and its intentions to push for the manufacturers title. The Czech team currently has the lead by four points over the M-Sport Fiesta team and more importantly a seven point advantage over Peugeot. Both Juho Hänninen and Jan Kopecký will contest both South American gravel events in an attempt to increase the lead. Also running a Fabia S2000 will…
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Rally – Monte Day 2 Video
Rally – Hirvonen Strikes Gold at Monte
The third and final day of the legendary Monte Carlo Rally has come to an end and Mikko Hirvonen has won in fine fashion. The WRC driver claimed his first victory in the IRC and made a statement for M-Sport and Ford in the process. The Ford Fiesta S2000 has tasted victory in its very first outing and did it easily after an exciting third day seen some of the best driving to date from Frenchman Sebastian Ogier. WRC Citroen Junior driver Ogier proved why he was be groomed to…
Read MoreMikko Cruising at Monte Carlo
The first two days of the Monte Carlo Rally have come and gone, and thus far the event has seen a number of attrition related factors that have taken out many of the IRC front runners. One thing that has remained the same is the 42 sec. lead that is enjoyed by Mikko Hirvonen. Day-1: The opening day at Monte Carlo was action packed and the M-Sport Fiesta S2000 thrived on the slick and treacherous surface. The Fiesta entered by M-Sport and piloted by Ford’s WRC ace was quickest through…
Read MoreRally – Meeke Says Goodbye
Rally – M-Sport Enter IRC
Malcolm Wilson and his M-Sport squad have decided to follow up the much anticipated launch of the new Fiesta rally car with their entrance into the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. The team will compete in the opening round of the championship with Mikko Hirvonen at the wheel. Ford becomes the eighth manufacturer to participate in the IRC, adding a certain level of excitement to the 2010 season. This and the welcome addition of a Subaru car for sale have made this a lucrative off season for the IRC as it looks…
Read MoreRally – Welcome IRC!
While it is no secret that we here at Openpaddock.net love the WRC and Rally America, we can no longer turn away from the headlines being made in the IRC as well. That is why we will now carry IRC news and opinion for the 2010 series and beyond. There are good drivers and a lot of cars and we would be doing an injustice to the rally community if we contine to shrug it off. So we will begin coverage with Monte Carlo and also keep track of all…
Read MoreRally – Mikko Conducts Clinic
Rally – Subaru to IRC
After a year removed from rally, arguably one of the greatest manufacturers in the sport makes its return to competition. This week it was announced that Subaru would return to competition in the IRC as a Group N participant. It is unclear as to what capacity the Japanese marquee will operate, however they will provide customers with Group N specifications to anyone interested. We will have to wait and see if an actual Subaru works team is stood up because to this point, the press release is very vague and…
Read MoreRally – Hirvonen/Fiesta @ Monte
The World Rally Championship runner up Mikko Hirvonen will compete in the Monte Carlo Rally as he debuts the new Fiesta S2000. Hirvonen and co-driver Jarmo Lehtinen will utilize the event as they prepare to take the fight to Sebastian Loeb and Citroen in the 2010 championship. The Finn is a five time veteran of the Monte Carlo event and is familiar with route and conditions. Mikko has been very impressed with the Fiesta to date and looks forward to running it through its first paces in January. Malcom Wilson…
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