Stormy weather forecast for Rally Ireland

Competitors on Rally Ireland are bracing themselves for a stormy weekend of wet and windy weather.

Taking the place of Rally Monte Carlo as January’s opening round of the season meant snow and ice were always a possibility on the Irish roads, but instead it looks like rain will be the predominant feature for the next few days.

The weather was cloudy and windy in Sligo today, with scattered rain showers and a temperature of eight degrees Celsius. But according to Sven Smeets, Citroen Total Team Manager, more rain is on its way.

“Our forecast says it’s going to rain heavily tonight with more rain and 100kph winds on Friday,” he explained. “From then on it should improve a little. We’re expecting lighter rain showers on Saturday and Sunday and the temperature should remain mild throughout.”

Sebastien Loeb said that despite moving from a November slot in the 2007 calendar, the road conditions looked broadly similar this year.

“It will rain again - it’s the normal weather for here I think,” he said. “The biggest difference this year is the fact that we have only the soft compound tyre available. Normally that would be the right choice, but if it’s raining a lot it will be difficult. Last time in heavy rain we were able to use a very soft tyre and cut the tread, but okay, we have to accept the situation is different this year.”