Italian star Umberto Scandola is targeting a return to Intercontinental Rally Challenge action this year, at the wheel of the M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000 he used on Rallye Sanremo last season.
Scandola’s introduction to the IRC came about when he formed part of the Abarth factory team from 2007, showing himself capable of podium pace after leading on the opening day of Rallye International du Valais in 2008.
However, his most famous moment was probably putting his Grande Punto S2000 into a pond on the Ypres Rally in 2006 when the IRC existed as a pilot series.
“I’ve got fantastic memories of the IRC and I’d like to come back,” said the 26-year-old Scandola. “I think we can do it as we have a good car and some good backers. Hopefully we should have some news soon: the first signs are promising. I’ve learned a lot and I think we could be competitive.”
Scandola was in contention for a points finish on Rallye Sanremo last September only to crash out of the event. He subsequently went on to claim the Italian championship’s Independents’ Trophy.