Blomqvist joins Skoda for Finland

The 1984 World Champion and 1983 RAC Rally-winner will join regular drivers Armin Schwarz and Bruno Thiry in an Octavia WRC five years after taking a Felicia kit car to third overall in the 1996 RAC Rally.

That year, the event did not count for the WRC proper, merely for the FIA 2-litre Cup, but Blomqvist's achievement was still regarded as a classic giant-killing act.

The 53-year-old has tested the Octavia in the past and will be given two further days of testing prior to the 'Finnish Grand Prix', which begins on August 24.

"I have nice memories from the time I was a Skoda works driver and the opportunity to drive the Octavia in a WRC round is of course a thrilling opportunity for me," said Blomqvist. "I will try to set up the car as much to my driving style as possible during the test session. It is hard to predict a result, but the opportunity is of course very motivating."

Skoda motorsport boss Pavel Janeba said of Blomqvist's call-up: "We had good times with Stig and will do the maximum in our power to make him satisfied with the car. The Rally Finland is a one-off for him, but I am sure it can only strengthen the reputation of Skoda Auto."

Blomqvist's car, with regular co-driver Ana Goni alongside the veteran, will carry the colourscheme of the Swede's own sponsors for the Jyvaskyla-based event.