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The battle for the IRC drivers' title will be decided over the last two events of the season - this weekend's Sanremo Rally and the Rally of Scotland in two months' time.

Peugeot are already sure of the 2009 IRC manufacturers' crown following the result of the recent Rally Principe de Asturias in Spain, and attention now focuses now on thje drivers' title.

Ahead of Friday evening's Sanremo launch on the Italian Riviera, Peugeot UK's Kris Meeke (pictured) enjoys a one-point advantage over his closest threat, Czech Skoda driver Jan Kopecky.

The 2009 Sanremo Rally marks the 51st running of what stands out as one of the sport's longest surviving fixtures, and it has attracted a strong entry with a field of some 100 cars, including 24 Super 2000s.

The ranks of the latter feature no fewer than 15 Peugeot 207 Super 2000s, spearheaded by Meeke.

Also in action are the Peugeot Belgium-Luxemburg machines of Freddy Loix and Nicolas Vouilloz, the Italy car of Paolo Andreucci and the BFGoodrich Drivers Team 207 in the hands of Luca Cantamessa, as well as a long list of privateer entries, including the notoriously quick Renato Travaglia.

This year, in order to minimise costs for the organisers and competitors, this year's Sanremo Rally is based on a compact format with a total competitive distance of a little more than 200km.

"It promises to be an all-out sprint, so it will be important to hit the ground running from the very first corner," predicts reigning IRC champion Nicolas Vouilloz.

"The longest stage, Ronde, is scheduled for Friday evening and we face the prospect of covering 44 kilometres in one go at night-time. We will need to be in tip-top shape if we are to manage our car, tyres and brakes over that sort of distance..."

The Frenchman's team-mate Freddy Loix has a particular liking for the Sanremo.

"It takes place in autumn, so the stages are never entirely dry. You often come across damp portions, and occasionally running water," said Loix.

"Even in fine weather, leaves and chestnuts on the road can make the conditions very slippery. You've got to be ready to react round every corner, so that calls for a certain amount of improvisation in the way you drive."

With the Italian Rally Championship running alonsgide the IRC this weekend, Peugeot Italy's Paolo Andreucci will be looking to profit from the event to wrap up the manufacturers' and drivers' titles.

"I will base my pace on achieving my main objective, which is to make sure of the two Italian titles for Peugeot," said Andreucci.

"However, if an opportunity arises to win outright, I will seize it with both hands. I have the most competitive car, but I don't intend to take any unnecessary risks."

Meanwhile, Meeke will be out to reach Saturday evening's finish further ahead of Kopecky.

Should he succeed, it will make the Briton's mission a bit easier when the IRC moves on to Scotland in November for the final round of the year, where Meeke's experience of gravel could give him a decisive advantage in the title chase.

Watch day one of the IRC event in Sanremo at 10:45pm LIVE on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521); Also available on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe.

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