McRae: I want more IRC

Scottish hero Alister McRae revelled in his appearance on the RACMSA Rally of Scotland, which brought a podium finish in the Mellors Elliott Motorsport Proton Satria Neo S2000. Now the former British and Asia-Pacific champion wants more.

Team principal Chris Mellors confirmed that a full IRC campaign is already in preparation, having joined the series at the Belgium Ypres Rally this June with the all-new car. "We're looking at a four-car programme for 2010 - two in the IRC and two in the FIA Asia-Pacific Championship," he said.

"Alister has driven for us in the Asia-Pacific series this year and until this weekend that was what we were planning for 2010 as well, but I know he's enjoying this weekend a great deal so it could be interesting sorting that out."

McRae himself was in typically ebullient form all weekend, and was delighted to record Proton's first podium finish in the IRC. His proud father Jimmy, five-times British rally champion, was working with the organisers of the inaugural Rally of Scotland and took great pride in his son's return - joking: "He's still a McRae!"

McRae 52 McRae: I want more IRC

Alister himself said: "The chassis is one of the best I have ever driven. Kris [Meeke] has christened me 'old safe hands' but I can assure you these old hands were working far quicker than the brain!"

When pushed on whether or not the outing would lead to further IRC appearances, the 39-year-old said: "Yes we're doing the full IRC next year. We are looking forward to coming back and fighting these guys again."

For further information please visit www.rally-irc.com