With four rounds of this year's series remaining, the 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge is poised to enter a decisive phase.

Although Peugeot still dominates the provisional manufacturers standings, the chase for the drivers title remains close.

Kris Meeke (207 S2000 Peugeot UK) tops the table with a score of 34 points, five points clear of Jan Kopecky who will be on home ground this weekend with his Skoda Fabia.

Giandomenico Basso (Fiat Abarth) and Freddy Loix (207 S2000 Peugeot Belgium-Luxemburg) follow in third spot on 27 points.

"There will be no question of simply trying to notch up points in the Czech Republic; we?ve got to be looking at winning," said Peugeot Belgium-Luxemburg driver Freddy Loix, winner of the 2008 Barum Rally.

"My aim is to recover second place in the IRC standings and move as close as possible to Kris Meeke in the battle for the 2009 crown.

"I feel optimistic because I know my car is capable of challenging for victory."

The Belgian driver's enthusiasm is shared by his French team-mate Nicolas Vouilloz, who said: "The very least you can say about the Barum Rally is that its stages are spectacular to drive. They are extremely fast, and there is practically no room for error on the many portions that take you through the woods.

"It's not easy to go quickly when the trees are that close, but that's what you?ve got to do; driving defensively won't help you feel any safer.

"I am less well placed than Freddy in the championship but, like him, the only thing I am interested in this weekend is winning." Peugeot UK?s Kris Meeke said: "This event takes place on the doorstep of Jan Kopecky who is my closest threat in the championship, so it will be vital to come away with as many points as possible."

The Briton currently enjoys a cushion of five points in the drivers standings, but he knows he will face stiff opposition on the Czech round which has attracted no fewer than 25 Super 2000 entries, including 11 Peugeot 207s, five Skoda Fabias and four Fiat Abarths.

The 2009 Barum Czech Rally Zlin runs from Friday August 21 until Sunday August 23.

The action kicks off with Friday evening?s super-special through the streets of Zlin.

Information and results:
www.barum.rally.cz
www.ircseries.com
www.fia.com

Drivers' championship standings:

1. Kris Meeke, Peugeot 207 S2000 - 34 pts
2. Jan Kopecky, Skoda Fabia S2000 - 29 pts
3. Freddy Loix, Peugeot 207 S2000 - 27 pts
4. Giandomenico Basso, Abarth Grande Punto S2000 - 27 pts
5. Nicolas Vouilloz, Peugeot 207 S2000 - 19 pts

Manufacturers? championship standings: