IRC: Wittmann keen for 2011 return

Franz Wittmann wants to put his frustrating 2010 season behind him by returning to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge next year.

The 27-year-old Austrian showed plenty of pace this season but was frequently out of luck at the wheel of his Interwetten Racing Peugeot 207 Super 2000.

"I'm working on a programme and for sure it will be in the IRC," said Wittmann. "I am very grateful for all the support Interwetten gave to me but my results this year were very disappointing. I know things can improve and I hope to get the opportunity to come back and show what I can do in what is a very competitive championship. I'm keeping positive and won't give up."

Wittmann was co-driven for the bulk of the season by German Klaus Wicha but was partnered on the season-closing Cyprus Rally by Josefine Beinke when Wicha became unavailable.

His best result in the IRC date is fifth place on Rally Russia in 2009.