Pirelli Star winner calm on WRC debut

Semerad, 18, was joint-winner (with Finn Jarkko Nikara) of the Europe-wide Pirelli competition at the end of last season.

Pirelli's young driver scheme was a key element in its deal to become the WRC's control tyre supplier, and Semerad is the first of its five 'Star Drivers' to compete at the highest level this season.

His prize is one of five paid Mitsubishi drives on six rounds of this year's WRC, alongside fellow Europe winner Nikara, Jon Williams (FIA African Championship winner), Mark Tapper (FIA Asia-Pacific Championship winner) and Nicos Thomas (FIA Middle-East Championship winner). All five go head-to-head for the first time in the Rally Portugal in April.

"I'm coming to Norway to concentrate on my own performance," said Semerad. "I don't care what anybody else is doing. I just want the experience, there's no pressure for me."

As well as being his first WRC round, Norway will also be Semerad's first outing on snow.

"We don't have anything like this at home in the Czech Republic," he said. "I have done a week at John Haugland's driving school to get some experience of the snow. It was good fun. I'm definitely going to enjoy this event."

Haugland admitted he was impressed with what he saw of Semerad during his time at the Norwegian test track.

"I was quite amazed at the confidence of someone only 18," said Haugland. "He has remarkable car control, but he was very easy on the car and is clearly very talented."

Because of his age, Semerad has come to an agreement with his school to work his education around his WRC schedule this season. He will contest two additional rounds in his own Mitsubishi alongside his Pirelli prize outings.

"The school have helped me a lot with this individual plan," he said. "It means I can prepare for the rallies well."