Zoom Basso still in the title race

Before the final two rounds of the IRC series, to be held in Switzerland and China, three drivers are still in contention for the title: Nicolas Vouilloz, Giandomenico Basso and Luca Rossetti.

The Intercontinental Rally Challenge regulations state that only the season's seven scores will count towards the final total.

So with eight rounds gone, Vouilloz has effectively 56 points (counting only the seven best scores and discounting the four points he scored in Russia). Basso effectively has 42, so is just 14 points behind in second place. Rossetti's chances are slimmer, but a win in Switzerland could put the Italian right back into the hunt.

Essentially, the IRC drivers' title can be decided in Switzerland only if Vouilloz wins or Basso retires. If neither of these things happens, we are set for a thrilling battle all the way to the end of the season.

Peugeot has already claimed the manufacturer's title under the same regulations, which state that only the best seven from 10 scores count. Although Abarth could still theoretically equal Peugeot's total of points, Peugeot would still win the title on the number of rally victories.

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