With Proton, the IRC Continues Its Success in Luring New Manufacturers

When most professional racing series are losing teams and manufacturers to the economic times, the IRC is completing yet another coup in luring new manufacturers.  

Eurosport Events, the promoter of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, has announced that Proton will join the IRC in 2009. The Malaysian manufacturer will enter the IRC with its new Satria Neo Super 2000 car.

With this announcement, Proton becomes the seventh constructor to compete in the IRC series. Joining names like Abarth, Honda, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Skoda and Volkswagen.

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome Proton into the IRC family, which goes from strength to strength," said Marcello Lotti, the IRC's general manager. "The new Satria Neo S2000 has already attracted a lot of praise in its short career to date. I have no doubt that Proton will quickly find success with competitive rally customers on IRC events, as well as on national and regional championships that are based on S2000 technical regulations."

This is not Proton’s first foray into the Rallying. In 2002, they won the Production Car World Rally Championship with the Proton Pert. Proton has also been the owner of Group Lotus since 1997: an iconic name from the past in motor racing.

Proton has joined the growing list of manufacturers embracing the Super 2000 formula. The Proton Satria Neo S2000 made its competition debut at the end of last year and has been both quick and impressive.

"The IRC provides the ideal format for manufacturers to showcase their products around the world," said Datuk Syed Zainal, Proton managing director. "We are very excited to register for the IRC this year, alongside many of the leading manufacturers in motorsport. Although we are still developing the Proton, the IRC will provide the perfect opportunity to gauge the competitiveness of the car, and ultimately to take the project forward."

The Malaysian company produced its first car in 1985. Proton exports cars to the UK, Western Europe, the Middle East, China, South East Asia, and Australasia.

Photos and quotes courtesy of the IRC.

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