Paulo Maciel has become the sixth different winner in the IRC 2WD Cup in as many rounds after triumphing in the division on Sata Rallye Açores, round six of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
Driving a Citroën Saxo Cup, Portuguese ace Maciel headed Jean-Michel Raoux, who was able to extend his lead of the IRC 2WD Cup drivers’ standings to 18 points heading to Barum Czech Rally Zlín at the end of August.
Maciel joins Pierre Campana, Joan Vinyes, Pierre-Antoine Guglielmi, Raoux and Kris Princen on the list of IRC 2WD Cup winners this season.
But while there was joy for Maciel and more success for Raoux, defending IRC 2WD Cup champion Harry Hunt endured a troubled Azores debut, going off the road on Friday before retiring on Saturday morning only to stuck on an earth bank and retire.
“It’s really unfortunate because we had the speed to win here as our stage times showed, but it just wasn’t our event this weekend,” said Hunt.