The first real test in IRC

Peugeot will be a new very well represented with six cars. Nicolas Vouilloz, Freddy Loix and Kris Meeke will drive the 207 Super 2000s of the Belgian team Kronos. Bruno Magalhaes will wear the colors of Portugal and this event will also allow Conrad Rautenbach to express himself for the first time at the wheel of a Super 2000, he who is contesting the entire WRC at the wheel of a Citroën C4 WRC.

“The double achieved in Brazil by the 207 Super 2000 confirms that it is perfectly in the game on gravel, but the terrain of the Azores sometimes promises to be much more tortuous,” specifies Nicolas Vouilloz, defending champion. ?That?s why we paid special attention to traction. Furthermore, the rally takes place on an island. At one time or another during the day, somewhere on the island, it rains. A sudden downpour can never be ruled out. This has led us to insist on ease of driving, whatever the climatic conditions we will have to face. »

Lacking a victory since the start of the season, Abarth will count on Giandomenico Basso, Anton Alen and local Bernardo Sousa to keep up with their rivals.

After having struck a big blow in Monte-Carlo, the Skoda team dreams of confirming on the dirt specials of the Portuguese island. Juho Hänninen, who will start with number 1, and Jan Kopecky have great assets to seek a first victory in the series for the Czech brand.

This trip off the coast of Africa is also an opportunity to appreciate the return of Volkswagen. A Polo Super 2000 will be lined up for Frenchman Julien Maurin.

Faced with the twelve Super 2000s, some drivers will try to place their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in the points including Rivardo Moura, Franz Wittmann and Fernando Perez.