IRC: Basso heads star-studded entry in Madeira.

2006 Rising Italian rally star Giandomenico Basso could take the outright lead in the new SRW Events-promoted International Rally Challenge [IRC] when he contests the third round of the series, the Rali Vinho da Madeira, on August 3-5.

Basso, driving his N-technology Fiat Grande Punto, will face tough opposition, as the rally has attracted a strong 90 car entry.

Last year's winner Renato Travaglia returns in a Peugeot 206 S1600, alongside fellow Italian drivers Umberto Scandola, Marco Cavigioli. Martinique's Simon Jean Joseph will compete in a Renault Clio S1600, with Spaniard Enrique Garcia Ojeda driving a similar car.

Madeira's top rally drivers, including Vitor S? and A?cio Anjo, will start the event, together with Miguel Campos, Jos? Pedro Fontes, Vitor Lopes, Fernando Peres, Bruno Magalh?es, Armindo Ara?jo and top Azorean driver Luis Pimentel.

The event has a prestigious list of previous winners, which includes Ari Vatanen (1978), Miki Biasion (1983), Henri Toivonen (1984), Piero Liatti (1995, '97, 2000), Bruno Thiry (1998), Patrick Snijers (1988, '93), Fabrizio Tabaton (1986, '90, '91) and Yves Loubet (1989).

The Rali Vinho da Madeira is based on the Portuguese island's almost five-century-old capital Funchal, with the service area located in the North Quay in the famous Port. A ceremonial start takes place on the evening of Thursday August 3, immediately followed by the first of 19 special stages. The remaining demanding asphalt special stages take place over the next two days in the picturesque hills overlooking Funchal. The winner is scheduled to arrive at the finish ramp in Av. S? Carneiro at 18.17 on Saturday August 5.