The IRC was established in 2007 by a subsidiary of Europe’s largest TV channel Eurosport TV in order to give young or amateur drivers the chance to show off their skills; and coverage is exclusive to Eurosport TV. While the event has no FIA title, the 2010 series of 12 rounds comprises of existing regional or national championship events that are chosen for their history or visual appeal. Cars which are eligible to take part are Group N, Super 2000 and Group A up to class A7 (2000cc).

The series awards titles to drivers, co-drivers and manufacturers, though unlike the WRC, the manufacturers themselves do not compete in the IRC, that is, any driver in an eligible car made by any IRC-registered manufacturer compete in the series and the two highest-placed cars from each manufacturer will be eligible to score manufacturer points. Subaru registered as a manufacturer to the series in 2010. For drivers and co-drivers to be eligible for awards and to get points, drivers and co-drivers mush use a car made by any IRC-registered manufacturer, and a crew are automatically eligible for points even if they appear only once in the series. The best seven scores are taken into account when deciding the championship title.

SUBARU has established the “SUBARU IRC INDIVIDUAL AWARD” for SUBARU users competing in the IRC and awards a driver and a co-driver who have the best results in each event. Winners will be announced on SUBARU’s official website.

At Rally Monte Carlo, Bryan Bouffier (France) brought over a 2010 edition SUBARU Impreza WRX STI prepared by Tommi Makinen Racing (TMR). Taking advantage of new regulations for 2010, the machine is fitted with a larger 33mm turbo restrictor rather than the previous 32mm units which means they can generate more power. This is the first appearance in the IRC for TMR. Oliver Burri (Switzerland) also entered with his BMA and GTO Evolution and a 2009 SUBARU Impreza WRX STI built by Prodrive. SUBARU Rally Team Czech’s driver Vojtech Stajf (Czech), Jerome Aymard (France), Vojtech Stajf (Czech), Richard Banks (GB) all entered with SUBARU Impreza WRX STIs.

The event was kicked off by a 8.83km Prologue stage (unclassified) in Valance and started proper competition the following day. A Total length of 405.01km and 15 Super special stages (SS) were set for the event. Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo has a long history and has been one of the most prestigious events as a hosted season-opener for WRC in a long time. This year’s event is its 78th time. The road surface is basically tarmac, however as it involves running on mountainous roads in mid-winter, some ice patches or snow can cover the road in places. The changeable weather also makes conditions tricky, so correct tyre choice is crucial.

On the opening stage, Vojtech Stajf stood in highest place among SUBARU runners. Behind many S2000 machines, he took 14th place - the highest among all Group N machines. Meanwhile, Bouffier who drove TMR Impreza for the first time in an actual competition struggled with the slippery moves of the machine, but recovered his pace and climbed to 11th overall, stepping over S2000 machines. However, his performance was interrupted when he suffered a flat tyre on SS 8. Studs from a punctured tyre ripped around the wheel arch and messed with the electrical cabling. A TMR spokesman later said: “It’s really disappointing because he was beginning to get used to the car and was improving his pace.”
After Bouffier was forced to retire, Burri who had been driving a Prodrive built SUBARU Impreza stood as top of SUBARU runners. He was placed 15th at SS9 which was also highest place among Group N machines. Burri maintained his pace until the finish and eventually moved up to 13th overall. He was awarded the SUBARU IRC INDIVIDUAL AWARD. Stajf followed him with 14th place and Aymard also completed the event in 26th place. The overall winner was Mikko Hilvonen driving a Ford Fiesta S2000.

The next round of IRC has moved to the southern hemisphere. The round 2 “Rally International de Curitiba” will take place on gravel from 4-6 March in Curitiba, the capital of Parana, in southern Brazil.