Proton joins the IRC

A new manufacturer will enter the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. The Malaysian manufacturer therefore becomes the 7th to enter the championship, joining Abarth, Honda, Mitsubishi, Peugeot , Skoda and Volkswagen.

“The IRC is an ideal platform for manufacturers wishing to promote their products around the world. We are very excited to be joining the IRC this season, alongside many leading manufacturers. Although we are still in the development phase, the IRC will provide us with an opportunity to gauge the competitiveness of the car,” said Proton director Datuk Syed Zainal.

It was therefore in Malaysia that the Proton brand was born, creating its first production car in 1985. Later, thanks to the support of Mitsubishi, the manufacturer would export its automobiles to the United Kingdom, Western Europe and the Middle East. , in China, South East Asia and Australia, then he got involved in motor racing and won the World Production Car Championship in 2002 with the Proton Pert, based on the Mitsubishi Lancer.

Today, Proton has therefore decided to come and compete with the other Super 2000s for which the Intercontinental Rally Challenge is famous, using a 100% new car. The Satria Neo has already set very interesting times in the rain, during the first day of the last rally of Ireland, with McShea at the wheel. According to certain sources, the latter would also be approached to become the titular pilot, with Bryan Bouffier.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Proton into the big IRC family,” said Marcello Lotti, general manager of the series. “The new Satria Neo S2000 has already garnered a lot of praise in its short career. I have no doubt that Proton will quickly enjoy success with its customers in IRC events, as well as in national and regional championships which accept Super 2000s."