Citroën sponsors the 2010 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship

The six-round series, which is regarded as Ireland's most prestigious rally championship, will be promoted as the Citron Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

Gary Savage, Citron UK and Ireland Managing Director, said: "Citron is pleased to be sponsoring the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship which will spearhead our marketing drive into the Irish market.

"It is well known that the Irish people are very keen supporters of rallying and this initiative will allow us to develop our brand whilst playing on our significant rallying heritage and the success of the Citroen C2 rally cars."Don Wilmont, Citron Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Manager, said: "On behalf of the TROA, we very much welcome Citron on board as title sponsor of the 2010 Irish Tarmac Championship.

"Having a partnership with a strong brand such as Citron, which has been so dominant at the top of the FIA World Rally Championship, will not only enhance the profile of the Championship but also the profile of each of the individual events.

Combined with the new 2010 Citron Racing Trophy series, which will offer almost 20,000 of prize money on each round of the Championship, this makes Citron's support package the largest in the history of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.

All six rounds of the 2010 Championship will once again be televised worldwide through Tyndall Productions' RPM television programme, thanks to additional financial support received from Tourism Ireland.

The 2010 Citron Irish Tarmac Championship starts in two weeks time with the Safety Direct Galway International Rally. The first car will leave the start ramp on Saturday 6th February, and more details will be announced in due course on www.irishtarmac.com.

2010 Citron Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Calendar

Round 1: Galway (06/07 February)

Round 2: Circuit of Ireland (02/04 April)

Round 3: Killarney Rally of the Lakes (01/02 May)

Round 4: Donegal International Rally (18/20 June)

Round 5: Ulster International Rally (20/21 August)

Round 6: Cork '20' International Rally (02/03 October)