Marijan Griebel to fly ERC Junior flag in world championship

Griebel, who stepped up to the E/uropean championship from the one-make ADAC Opel Rallye Junior Cup in Germany, heads the ERC Junior Under 28 standings after two rounds and will win a World Rally Car prize drive on a European round of the world championship next year if he still tops the order at the end of the season.

He will get an opportunity to try the world championship for size when he tackles his home event from 17-20 August in the same BRR-run ŠKODA Fabia R5 he uses in ERC Junior with compatriot Stefan Kopczyk co-driving.

“Starting at ADAC Rallye Deutschland is a dream come true for me,” said Griebel, who will chase WRC2 category points. “I still remember how I watched with my father at the first Rallye Deutschland in 2002 watching none other than Armin Kremer, who has become my mentor, flying by. Now I am burning to compete against the entire WRC2 elite. I know it is a huge challenge. The event has distinctive special stages in the Saarland, the Mosel vineyards and the Baumholder military ranges. It is also a [mandatory] WRC2 rally, which means that all top drivers and contenders for the title will be there. I do not mean to hide my face. I want to show everybody that I am competitive in my R5 even if I do not have as much experience by far.”

Before embarking on his world championship adventure, Griebel will contest the ERC-counting Rally Rzeszow in Poland from 3-5 August.