Francois Duval targets IRC Ypres Rally in Skoda Fabia S2000

skoda duval Francois Duval targets IRC Ypres Rally in Skoda Fabia S2000

Photoshopped image of what Duval's Fabia S2000 might look like

Francois Duval could return to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia Super 2000 later this season.

Duval, 28, last appeared in the series on Vodafone Rally de Portugal last May, but was forced to retire the Abarth Grande Punto he was driving because of a wheel bearing failure.

He is now targeting an entry on the Ypres Westhoek Rally from June 20-22 in a Fabia supported by the Skoda importer in his native Belgium and hopes it won't be a one-off outing.

"I would like to try to do two or three rallies in the IRC," Duval said. "It's where all the drivers are going to. It is more interesting for me than the WRC because there are some opportunities for drivers."

polo 11 Francois Duval targets IRC Ypres Rally in Skoda Fabia S2000

Francois Duval testing the Polo S2000 recently

Photo: francoisduval.com

Providing an agreement can be reached, the Belgian Rene Georges Rally Sport team would run Duval's Skoda. Duval tested a Volkswagen Polo Super 2000 for the squad recently and could tackle a round of the Belgian championship in the car next month.

"It was dry in the morning but the rain came in the afternoon," Duval said of the Polo test. "The car was not so bad although I think we could find some improvements in the chassis and the engine."

Source: ircseries.com