Full programme for Skoda
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
ByEurosport
Published 30/09/2004 at 10:06 GMT
Skoda has confirmed that it will compete on all rounds of the World Rally Championship next year, entering two Fabia WRCs. Germany's Armin Schwarz has already been confirmed with the Czech team, though Toni Gardemeister's participation is in doubt as the
The news is a welcome boost for the WRC amidst speculation over Ford's participation on next year's championship.
“I am pleased that the board has recognised our efforts with this commitment to the immediate future," said team boss Martin Muehlmeier. "This is a positive step for the whole WRC and I am sure that our customers and fans around the world will be equally delighted that our motorsport programme is to continue.
"The drivers will be Armin who has a contract for next year, while Toni’s contract finishes at the end of this year," he added. "But the good news is that drivers are coming to us rather than us coming to them, which was the case before!"
In 2004 Škoda Motorsport withdrew from the World Rally Championship to concentrate on a limited programme of test and development with the Fabia WRC.
During this strategic programme the Škoda Motorsport World Rally Team recorded the first WRC stage victory for the Fabia WRC, sixth overall on Rally Finland and five outright victories on national events in Germany, Finland and the Czech Republic. This clear progress in performance was the key to persuading the board to back the 2005 campaign.
Scan me
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement