Italian rally star Giandomenico Basso can take the outright lead in the new SRW Events-promoted International Rally Challenge (IRC) when he roars off the starting ramp for the third round of the inaugural series, the Rally Vinho da Madeira, this evening. Basso, who at the same time will be looking to extend his already healthy FIA European Rally Championship points lead, will be joined in the Fiat rally team by Umberto Scandola who will be seeking his first IRC points: the Italian youngster failed to finish either of the opening two events in South Africa and Belgium.

Basso and Scandola will face tough opposition as they fly the Fiat flag, especially so as the rally - which counts for both the International Rally Championship and the FIA European Rally Championship - has attracted a very strong 90 car entry. Last year's winner Renato Travaglia returns at the wheel of a Peugeot 206 S1600, while fellow Italian driver Marco Cavigioli (Renault Clio S1600) will also be looking for a strong result. Martinique's Simon Jean Joseph will compete in a Renault Clio S1600, with Spaniard Enrique Garcia Ojeda driving a similar car. Madeira's top rally drivers, including Vitor Sá (Renault Clio S1600) and Aécio Anjo (Citroen Saxo Kit Car), will start the event, together with Miguel Campos (Subaru Impreza WRX), José Pedro Fontes (Renault Clio S1600), Vitor Lopes (Citroen C2 S1600), Fernando Peres (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) Bruno Magalhães (Peugeot 206 S1600) and Armindo Araújo (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR) from Portugal and top Azorean driver Luis Pimentel (Renault Clio S1600).

The Rally Vinho da Maderia has a prestigious list of previous winners, which includes Ari Vatanen (1978), Miki Biasion (1983), Henri Toivonen (1984), Piero Liatti (1995, '97, 2000), Bruno Thiry (1998), Patrick Snijers (1988, '93), Fabrizio Tabaton (1986, '90, '91) and Yves Loubet (1989). The Rally Vinho da Madeira is based on the Portuguese island's almost five-century-old capital Funchal, with the service area located in the North Quay in the famous Port.
 

A ceremonial start takes place this evening, immediately followed by the first of 19 special stages. The remaining demanding asphalt special stages take place over the next two days in the picturesque hills overlooking Funchal. The winner is scheduled to arrive at the finish ramp in Av. Sá Carneiro at 18.17 on Saturday 5th August.

Meanwhile Fiat's commitment to the new International Rally Challenge (IRC) format seems to be paying dividends as, during a meeting with the FIA last month, eight major manufacturers reportedly expressed an interest in taking part in the series which is promoted by SRW Events and supported by the Eurosport satellite TV channel. At present only Fiat and Peugeot have "Super2000" cars actually built, with the Italian brand being the only manufacturer to be participating in the IRC series this year. Reportedly the four event inaugural calendar this year will be extended to eight events for 2007 with the current rounds in Belgium, Italy and Madeira all being retained and supplemented by dates in Russia, Turkey, and possibly a new African date.

FIA European Rally Championship (after 5 rounds): 1. Basso (Fiat) 35 points; 2. Iliev (Mitsubishi) 11; 3. Andreucci (Fiat), Kuzaj (Subaru) and Solowow (Mitsubishi) 10; 6. Cantamessa (Subaru), Isik (Fiat), Svedlund (Mitsubishi) and Princen (Renault) 8.
 
International Rally Challenge (after 2 rounds): 1. Basso (Fiat) and A. McRae (Mitsubishi) 10 points; 3. Princen (Renault) and Kuun (Volkswagen) 8; 5. Cols (Mitsubishi) and Lourens (Toyota) 6; 7. Loix (Citroen) and Head (Mitsubishi) 5; 9. Casier (Renault) and Fekken (Volkswagen) 4.