The 2011 Rally Sweden is more than just the opening meeting of the new season. The rally also marks the premiere of the new generation of World Rally Cars and the FERM Power Tools World Rally Team is proud to make their debut there in the FIA World Rally Championship.
Over the past few months, driver Dennis Kuipers (NL) and co-driver Frédéric Miclotte (BE) have undergone intensive and successful preparations to be able to begin optimally in what is already noted as a historic WRC season.
In the run up to Sweden, Dennis Kuipers spent many hours in winter conditions. “The Rally of Sweden is synonymous for sub-zero temperatures, snow-covered and ice-covered roads and high speed class tests. That requires a specific approach,” the FERM Power Tools World Rally Team driver said.
Dennis Kuipers perfected his driving style on ice and snow in Norway. “For my Scandinavian colleagues, driving on snow is second nature,” Kuipers said. “But I come from the Netherlands. We only get snow occasionally, so I seek out other possibilities for training.” He was coached in this type of driving by John Haugland. The Norwegian Haugland has been recognized for decades as the authority on rally driving in winter conditions.
Shortly after the training period, Dennis Kuipers travelled to M-Sport in Cumbria, England, where he was first introduced to the Ford Fiesta RS WRC. The driver was very impressed by the new car after only the first test drive. “The 1600 cc turbo motor provides constant power,” he said. "In combination with the outstanding road grip, M-Sport has produced a rally car with huge potential.”
In 2011, Dennis Kuipers and Frederic Miclotte will contest in eleven WRC events in Ford’s all-new challenger for 2011. The FERM Power Tools World Rally Team is relying on M-Sport for the maintenance of the car. M-Sport has operated Ford’s World Rally programme since 1997, and helped Ford clinch the manufacturers’ world title in both 2006 and 2007.
The first class test for the FERM Power Tools World Rally Team is scheduled for Thursday 10 February as a Super Special Stage will take place in Karlstad. After a total of 22 class tests, Rally Sweden will also finish in Karlstad on Sunday afternoon, 13 February. The test at Lovhausen will be particularly special: after the start in Sweden, the rally continues over the border with Norway, and then returns to finish on Swedish soil.