Honda will be hoping to secure the coveted runner-up spot in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge's 2WD Cup on the final round in Scotland next month.

The manufacturer is just two points behind rival Abarth with the Scottish gravel event remaining. With a strong turn-out of Civic Type Rs expected on the season finale, the prospect of finishing second behind IRC 2WD Cup title winner Peugeot is very realistic indeed.

Honda's optimism was increased following a successful participation on Rallye Sanremo in Italy last month. Italian driver Sandro Sottile won the two-wheel-drive class in 17th overall in a Civic Type R, while Hungarian Laszlo Vizin finished sixth in the highly competitive category.

"Once again our cars proved to be both quick and reliable," said Alessandro Mariani, the boss of JAS Motorsport which oversees Honda's IRC attack.

"Despite having no permanent entries on the IRC this year, we have managed to challenge for second place in the IRC 2WD Cup. We now look forward to more success."