Third car for PROTON

Basso, a winner of four IRC rallies with Abarth, was confirmed as a PROTON driver last weekend and will make his debut for the team and next month's Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Ingles.

"We're delighted to have Giandomenico joining us for the IRC programme," said team principal Chris Mellors.

"He comes with a wealth of experience of the sport at this level and there's no doubt he's going to give us an extra edge on the rallies where he's competing.

"This is an exciting time for PROTON Motorsports. Not only have we finalised the IRC programme with this exciting development, we have the potential for a third car on some IRC rounds."

Basso will join existing PROTON driver PG Andersson at the Rally Islas Canarias El Corte.

"When I tested the car in Italy, I felt two things: I felt the car was good and I felt a warmth in the team," Basso said.

"The car was easy to drive, which is really important, especially when you have events, which can have changeable conditions.

"Everything is very positive and it's great to be back working with a manufacturer."