Blomqvist joins expanded Skoda attack

The 55-year-old former world champion, who made a one-off appearance for the team at this year's Rally Finland, will compete in half of the championship rounds driving a third Octavia WRC. He will compete alongside Swede Kenneth Eriksson and Finn Toni Gardemeister, who will take in all 14 events. Czech driver Roman Kresta will take over from Blomqvist for the other seven rallies.

An additional fourth factory-supported Octavia will be entered on selected events and will be driven by reigning Group N champion Gabriel Pozzo.

Skoda's expansion is part of the team's plan to develop its WRC attack, but has also been influenced by the new points scoring system for next year. Instead of manufacturers only being allowed to nominate two cars to score points on events, they can now name three. The marque's two highest finishers on a rally will then be counted as the points scorers.

Team principal Pavel Janeba said: "Next season will be much more demanding from a logistics point of view. We have never contested in 14 events and we have never entered more than three cars. However, I feel we are already mature enough to handle this challenge.

"I am confident we have a strong line-up with an ideal mix of both very experienced drivers and young, impetuous ones. With their input, together with an increased effort from the whole team, we will be able to make another big step in our long-term rally programme."

The 2002 WRC kicks off with the Monte Carlo Rally on January 17.