IRC: Duval targets home outing

Francois Duval has revealed that he hopes to return to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge during the 2009 season.

The Belgian made his last outing in the series in Portugal last season but was forced to retire from the event due to a wheel bearing failure on his Abarth Grande Punto.

However, Duval will now try and put together a deal to enter a Skoda Fabia into the Ypres Westhoek Rally in June with support coming from Skoda importers in his native Belgium.

"I would like to try to do two or three rallies in the IRC," he 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."

Duval's car would be entered by the Rene Georges Rally Sport team if agreement can be reached, with the former WRC winner having tested the team's VW Polo S2000 ahead of a possible Belgian Rally Championship run in the car.