Craig Breen and Pontus Tidemand get WRC Fords for Rally Sweden
Craig Breen and Pontus Tidemand have both bagged a Ford Fiesta RS WRC for the second round of the 2014 World Rally Championship in Sweden
The February 5-8 event will be Breen's World Rally Car debut at the highest level, while Tidemand will be looking to finish the job he started in Sweden last season, when he was running as high as fourth on his only other start in a Fiesta RS WRC.
Irishman Breen, who is contracted to Peugeot Sport for this year's European Rally Championship, was quick to thank his employer for the opportunity to drive another make of car. He won the 2011 WRC Academy title at the wheel of a Fiesta R2.
"We are purely focused on the ERC this year, and the much-anticipated debut of the 208 T16 in March. However, it goes without saying that a chance to drive in the WRC is something that we couldn't turn down," said Breen.
"This opportunity is something that I have dreamed of obtaining since I was a young boy, so to finally have my chance is something I am really excited about."
Last year's Junior WRC champion Tidemand has been working on this deal for some time.
"It feels really good to get it together before the very last minute," he said.
"It's a bit of a dream to get to compete with the best drivers in the world on home turf where you get so much support.
"I am indescribably grateful for everyone around me who make this dream come to life."
Having run fourth last year, Tidemand says he is gunning for a top five finish this time around.
Breen starts Sweden with his new co-driver Scott Martin.
Previous article
Mads Ostberg says Citroen WRC switch will help him fulfil potential
Next article
Citroen takes over Junior WRC supply deal for 2014
About this article
| Series | WRC |
| Drivers | Craig Breen , Pontus Tidemand |
| Author | David Evans |
Why the casualty of rallying's evolution should still be cherished
The WRC's support categories are in a process of streamlining that will spell the end of a formalised 2WD world championship-level category. While its relevance to the top level has been questioned for some time, that doesn't mean it should be swept quietly under the carpet
Why WRC's hybrid path could leave it at a crossroads
With all three major manufacturers committing to the World Rally Championship’s hybrid era from 2022, the future of the series is assured for now, but it could lead to trickier twists and turns further down the road
How Tanak froze out the competition at the Arctic Rally
Ott Tanak made up for a disastrous Monte Carlo Rally by leading all the way on the snow-kissed stages of the Arctic Rally Finland and in the process hit back at an event Toyota had been expected to dominate
What to expect from the WRC's venture to the Arctic
This week's Arctic Rally Finland will bring the World Rally Championship into new territory. And, almost without exception, the service park can't wait for the subzero challenge to commence
How Ogier achieved a fitting Monte Carlo farewell
Against pandemic-shaped odds, the World Rally Championship season opener went ahead in Monte Carlo last weekend as a familiar face again took top spot. But for an emotional Sebastien Ogier, his record-breaking eighth win meant more than most
What to look out for in the 2021 WRC
As the 2021 World Rally Championship prepares to launch amid tight COVID-19 restrictions in Monte Carlo, here are the eight things unrelated to the pandemic that you should keep an eye on this year
Evans on the talking points of WRC 2021
He came close to the title last year, and now Toyota's Elfyn Evans gives his verdict on what to expect from 2021 as the World Rally Championship prepares to reconvene for the Monte Carlo season opener
Why Britain's continued WRC absence is a wake-up call
OPINION: With Rally GB dropping off the World Rally Championship calendar for the second year in a row, one of Britain's best-attended sporting events faces an uncertain future. It's an unfortunate situation that points to troubling times ahead
