Peugeot – Skoda duel in the Canaries

From an accounting standpoint, Skoda has clearly got off to the best start this season. Juho Hänninen, winner of the Rally from Argentina, collected three podiums in three events and took the lead in the IRC, ahead of two other Skoda drivers, Guy Wilks and Jan Kopecky. Fourth, Kris Meeke, winner of the Curitiba Rally (Brazil), will have to find his best level on the Spanish archipelago if he wants to get ahead of the Skodas.

But, besides Kris Meeke and Bruno Magalhaes, another pilot Peugeot will be able to sow discord among the favorites: Thierry Neuville. The Belgian driver, registered in the Junior World Championship (J-WRC), arrives in IRC to accumulate experience. Impressive during the first laps of the Canaries, the 21-year-old driver could find a place among the best.

This fourth round of the IRC 2010 will therefore set a trend for this season. With three Skoda drivers occupying the lead in the drivers' standings, they could consolidate their position by putting in a solid race. But Kris Meeke, behind in the standings, will not want to let his rivals escape, and Thierry Neuville will want to show all his potential. This Thursday, Kris Meeke achieved the best time of the shakedown, ahead of the Skodas of Jan Kopecky and Juho Hänninen.