Multiple Italian champion Paolo Andreucci looks set to be a major contender when Targa Florio-Rally Internazionale Di Sicilia joins the Intercontinental Rally Challenge for the first time following his win on the most recent round of his national series.
Based in Palermo, Sicily, from 14-16 June, the fifth round of the IRC is a true classic with its origins in the famous Targa Florio road race, which enjoyed a huge following in the 1950s and 1960s.
Andreucci, who drives a Peugeot Italia 207 Super 2000, has a strong record of success on the island event alongside co-driver Anna Andreussi. Last weekend they triumphed on Rally dell’Adriatico, round three of the Italian championship.
“It was a rally that went down to the wire, where we really had to sweat,” said Andreucci, who will be eligible for IRC points in Sicily. “We lost some time earlier, so it meant that we had to attack and push hard.”
Umberto Scandola is also expected to be a threat for IRC honours on Targa Florio in his ŠKODA Fabia S2000.