Kronos Racing boss Marc van Dalen has confirmed that he is close to a deal to field 'at least two cars' in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2009.

Kronos, which ran the two Peugeot Belgium entries for Nicolas Vouilloz and Freddy Loix this season, has had great year and last weekend Vouilloz secured the drivers' title on the Rallye du Valais in Switzerland.

"We're not far from a deal to run at least two cars on the IRC next year, hopefully more. With a bit of luck it should not be too long before we are able to confirm our plans," said van Dalen.

"Finishing first and second on the IRC series is a very proud moment for us at Kronos Racing, as it adds to the list of our successes across the world.

"In the past we have won the World Rally Championship with Sebastien Loeb, the European Rally Championship with Bruno Thiry, and now the IRC with Nicolas Vouilloz."

van Dalen meanwhile also went on to say that ideally he would like to retain Vouilloz and Loix in '09: "It's been pretty much a perfect line-up," he continued. "I see absolutely no reason to change."

For the record, Kronos already has experience of running three cars on the IRC, as it has also run the BFGoodrich drivers' team entry this year in addition to the two regular cars for Vouilloz and Loix.