After participating in Rally Monte Carlo, where he finished fifth at the wheel of a Stobart team Ford Focus WRC for the opening round of the World Rally Championship, François Duval has announced his participation in the second Intercontinental Rally Challenge event of the year.

Next May, the Belgian driver will be a contender at Rally Portugal aboard a Fiat Grande Punto Abarth Super 2000.

"I am delighted with the proposition," Duval declared on his website. "It's a good way for me to keep the rhythm and also to join again with a gravel event."

As well as changing cars, Duval will also have a different co-driver at his side since Eddy Chevaillier has opted for a different programme: "I will have Patrick Pivato on my right; Eddy received a proposition form Van Merksteijn, a promising young Dutchman."

Duval might be switching cars for Portugal, but he has no apprehensions as he holds prior experience of the Fiat model. By expressing confidence in its capabilities, the Belgian also declared his goal for Portugal.

"For this rally, I will have a Fiat again, but a little more powerful than at the Condroz – a car to fight for the win," he stated.

"But we must be careful," François Duval added. "There will be pretty rough contenders."