Stig Blomqvist to drive third works Octavia

An extra date on Stig's 2001 schedule.

ike most of the teams competing in the World Rally Championship, Skoda has decided to enter three cars on the forthcoming Rally Finland scheduled for August. The third driver will be Stig Blomqvist. The Swedish legend will join the Czech outfit's usual suspects Armin Schwarz and Bruno Thiry for the rally.

Blomqvist is competing in the FIA Teams' Cup this season with a Group N Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6. However, Finland not being on the TC calendar, the Swedish legend was able to fit in the extra outing on which he'll use Skoda's third works Octavia WRC. “I can't really predict a result,” said Stig, “but the opportunity is very motivating."

This won't be the first time he drives for Skoda of course. Back in 1996, Stig clinched third place at Britain's RAC Rally with a 2-wheel drive Felicia kit car. The Swede is delighted to be back with Skoda and team boss Pavel Janeba, remembering the good times, plans to give him maximum output.

Stig will test the Octavia prior to the 2001 Neste Rally Finland to determine its gravel set-up. The event itself runs from the 23-26 August.

Jerome BLACK
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