The reigning IRC champion, Enrique Garcia Ojeda, is looking forward to his return to the series on the Barum Rally Zlin next weekend.

The Spaniard claimed the inaugural Intercontinental Rally Challenge title last year in his Peugeot 207 S2000 run by Peugeot Spain, and he is looking forward to getting back into the groove of IRC competition on the demanding roads of the Czech Republic.

"I really enjoyed my time on the IRC, and the only reason why I am not competing on the series full-time this year is that Peugeot Spain wanted to concentrate on the Spanish Championship, which of course I can understand," he said.

Garcia Ojeda also hopes to contest even more Intercontinental Rally Challenge rounds this year prior to a full-time return to the series in 2009.

"I definitely want to try and get back into the IRC next year, and that is why I am competing on the Barum Rally Zlin," he explained. "Then I will also be at the Principe de Asturias Rally, which is part of the Spanish Championship as well as the IRC, and I hope to find some backing to contest the Rally du Valais in Switzerland at the end of the season."

Garcia Ojeda led the Barum Rally Zlin last year before a driveshaft problem forced him to drop back and settle for second.

"I like the rally a lot but for sure it will be a big challenge," the Spaniard predicted. "The level of competition will be very high as it always was. I would still like to try for a podium finish though: I hope we can do that."

"Above all, I want to enjoy myself and take the most out of the experience of being back in the IRC. Hopefully, this is experience I will be able to use next year as well," Garcia Ojeda concluded.