Austrian driver Franz Wittmann Jr has said he was able to learn plenty during his debut on Rallye Sanremo, the penultimate round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, in Italy recently.

Wittmann Jr finished 19th on the asphalt event at the wheel of an Interwetten Racing Mitsubishi Lancer E9. He was the second highest Mitsubishi driver in the final classification.

“It was a totally great rally for me,” said Wittmann , whose car was overseen by the Austrian Stohl Racing squad. “I've learned a lot and am very happy to have reached the finishing line after so many turns.

“With 24 Super 2000 cars, many Super 1600 cars and lots of Group N Mitsubishis to compete against, the competition was overpowering. But not only were the stage times satisfactory, so was the final result. My car barely had any troubles.”

Wittmann and co-driver Bernhard Ettel will complete their IRC campaign in Scotland next month.