The number of car importers contesting the Intercontinental Rally Challenge has increased following confirmation last week that Skoda Sweden will back Patrik Sandell’s seven-round programme in a Fabia Super 2000.
News of Skoda Sweden’s support of Sandell represents one of the biggest undertakings by the country’s importer in recent years. It brings to eight the total number of car importers actively engaged in a major IRC campaign this season.
“Skoda celebrates 110 years in motorsport this year so there’s a long tradition and lots of experience behind this venture,” said Henrik Svensson, Skoda Sweden’s press manager. “It will be very exciting to follow Patrik and Staffan [Parmander] this season and if they succeed this year the future could be very interesting."
Sandell and co-driver Parmander will begin their IRC bid on Tour de Corse, which runs from 13-15 May. Their car will be run by the Czech Republic-based JM Racing operation.