Zoom Didier Auriol (right) all set for the IRC

Didier Auriol, who claimed the World Rally Championship in 1994, is set to become the first former World Rally Champion to join the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Auriol is scheduled to drive a privately-run Abarth Grande Punto on the Rally of Portugal from May 8-10 and he is not excluding the possibility of further outings in the car, depending on budget. The Frenchman will be navigated by his long-time partner Denis Giraudet.

“There are still some details to finalise with this deal, but I'm feeling reasonably confident that it will go ahead,” said the 49 year-old, who has been out of full-time competition since the end of 2003.

“I've got absolutely no idea how I will compare to the younger guys who have been driving Super 2000 cars all the time: it will be very interesting for me to find out. Of course I am only driving for fun, but you always want to be competitive.”

Auriol was France's very first World Rally Champion, and he also previously held the record for the most number of rallies won in one season.

Source: IRC
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