Skoda announces Wilks IRC deal
Skoda has confirmed its 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge entry for Guy Wilks and will unveil the Fabia S2000 at this week's Autosport International Show in Birmingham
As previously reported by AUTOSPORT, the Darlington driver signed for the Skoda UK Motorsport team last week and will start his programme on next week's Monte Carlo Rally.
The precise details of Wilks' programme are as yet undecided, but he will contest at least seven rallies in order to challenge for this year's IRC title.
Beyond Monte Carlo, the other event which has been confirmed is the penultimate IRC round of the season, October's Rally of Scotland - an event the 28-year-old won on his debut in a Fabia S2000 last year.
Wilks and co-driver Phil Pugh completed a pre-Monte Carlo test in the Fabia just before Christmas, running 62 miles close to Grenoble.
"I am very excited about the season ahead and driving for Skoda in the IRC," said Wilks. "Our victory in Scotland last year showed what potential the Fabia S2000 has. It's a fantastic car to drive and it suits my driving style.
"This year's programme has come together incredibly quickly, and everyone at Skoda UK Motorsport is highly motivated to succeed. You can guarantee that Phil and I will start every rally with one thing on our minds - and it will involve driving as fast as we possibly can."
Robert Hazelwood, head of Skoda UK Motorsport added: "Our participation in the 2010 IRC brings added excitement to the brand and we are looking forward to the season ahead.
"Guy Wilks, Phil Pugh and the Fabia proved what is possible by winning last year's Rally of Scotland. The IRC is a demanding series and the opposition is world class, yet we believe Skoda UK Motorsport has a strong package and the ability to do well at every rally we contest."
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