European Rally Championship's next round is at the Circuit of Ireland, and it looks like the leading team, Peugeot Sports, is in high spirits. Shakedown and qualifying for the Irish round starts today (April 17), while April 18 and 19 is when the rally takes place. Leg one of the round has 10 stages including the Newtownards TT stage and the Ards Tourist Trophy Circuit, while day two consists of eight stages including the challenging Bronte Homeland test.
Peugeot Sport's Craig Been is currently leading the championship, with a total of 63 points under his hat, and expects a favourable result out of the rally. The Irishman has been rallying (and winning) for some time, although this would be his fourth attempt in Northern Ireland, yet most of the stages are new to him, he adds. His team mate, Kevin Abbring, will also be taking part in the rally, and although this Dutch driver is new to ERC, he looks promising as well, given that he topped the leader board in Greece before a mechanical failure spoiled the fun.
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Both drivers will be behind the wheel of the new Peugeot 208 T16. The car has performed well with two podium finishes and very respectable stage times this year. Scott Martin will be navigating for Craig Been, while Sebastian Marshall will be alongside Kevin Abbring. Final shakedown and qualifying take place today ahead of the rally proper tomorrow.