Suzuki Sport to cease all motorsport activities

Suzuki Sport have announced that they will cease all of their motorsport activities at the end of this year.

“Suzuki Sport Europe was present in the J-WRC from the beginning and been a determinant part of the J-WRC. We are very happy and proud that we could do that, and to have won [the title] three times. We would like to thank to all of our fans for all their encouragement.” said Nobuhiro Tajima, Suzuki Sport chairman.

Suzuki have competed in the J-WRC since its inception in 2001 winning three titles in 2004, 2007 and 2010 with P-G Andersson and Aaron Burkart. Originally, they competed with the Suzuki Ignis S1600, then progressing on to the Swift S1600.

“We secured the J-WRC title two times with P-G Andersson and now I am also very happy that we are champions again. In the name of Suzuki Sport Europe personally I’d like to thank for Aaron [Burkart] his efforts and congratulate him for his first J-WRC title.”

Burkart sealed the title, his first, after taking one win, two podiums and two other points finishes.

“I am so happy and I’d like to thank all at Suzuki Sport Europe for helping me achieve the title. They did a perfect job and built me a new car in three days after I crashing during our test on the Monday before the start.”

Tajima also stated that Suzuki will close its Hungary base and instead will be run by Monster Sport Europe, a firm based in Britain.

“From next year Suzuki Sport Europe will join Monster Sport Europe in the UK. Suzuki Sport Europe has already made a decision to close its workshop in Hungary by the end of 2010 and transfer operations over to Monster Sport Europe. So I have to say that Aaron Burkart has made a remarkable result in the final year of J-WRC history."

Wilks to join Peugeot UK in 2011

Double British Rally Champion Guy Wilks will end his one-year partnership with Skoda UK to fill the departing Kris Meeke’ seat at Peugeot UK after it was announced that Meeke, 2009 IRC Champion, would depart the IRC to join the MINI effort in the WRC.

Wilks made a good start to the year, gaining three podium finishes, to add to his RAC MSA Rally of Scotland 2009 win. All his hard work was undone when he crashed on the first stage of the Rally d’Italia-Sardegna, breaking his back. The British driver made his comeback on the Barum Czech Rally Zlin, finishing seventh.

“We are very excited to be joining Peugeot UK for the 2011 IRC. It was a difficult decision to leave Skoda UK and I am indebted to them for their support in 2010. But the opportunity to drive the Peugeot 207 S2000 for Peugeot UK, with the support of a team like Kronos was too hard to resist. We’re highly motivated for 2011 and can’t wait for the Monte.” he said.

Wilks will drive a Kronos Racing prepared Peugeot 207 S2000 on all the rounds of the 2011 IRC calendar. He will be navigated by long-term co-driver Phil Pugh.

Pirelli Star Drivers 2011 chosen

Six all-new Pirelli Star Drivers have been chosen after the ‘Pirelli Star Driver Global Shoot-Out’ took place in Salou, Spain, the base for the 2010 Rally Catalunya.

16 drivers fought for six fully-paid drives in next year’s ‘WRC Academy’ in an M-Sport prepared Ford Fiesta R2. The 16 drivers and their navigators first of all took part in a training session, which took place throughout Friday, with ESP, a company co-founded by 2001 WRC Champion Robert Reid. The training session comprised of two group talks with all the competitors and they were then split into four separate groups and took part in various exercises which replicated varying parts of the WRC and rallying in general.

Come Saturday they all drove a Ford Fiesta R2 twice over a gravel stage and twice over a tarmac stage, using the same Pirelli Scorpion tyres as used in the WRC.

After all the drivers set their respective times, they were brought before a judging panel, individually, as they gave the panel – on which sat rallying’s fastest lady Michele Mouton – an insight into their careers and the goals that they wish to complete.

After they all went before the panel, the panel chose the drivers most suited to a seat one of the Pirelli Star Driver Fiestas. The chosen drivers can be found at the end of the story, along with a summary into their respective careers.

Pirelli’s Motorsport Manager Mario Isola praised the Star Driver scheme, saying: “It’s really exciting to see the next year of Pirelli Star Drivers coming through. Once again, I think we have found some real talent. Having drivers coming from across the world for the Shoot-Out has made this a very interesting event for us.”

“Pirelli is proud to have backed the FIA’s young driver development initiative and we are delighted to see this continue into next season, maintaining Pirelli’s presence in the FIA World Rally Championship and furthering our rich history at the pinnacle of world rallying.”

Morrie Chandler, President of the WRC Commission, said: “This is the first time we have held a ‘global’ shoot-out. The camaraderie between the crews from various parts of the world was great to see and created a good competitive environment. I am sure all the participants learned from the experience.”

2011 Pirelli Star Drivers:

Andrea Crugnola

Nationality: Italian

DOB: 25-9-1989

National Debut: Ronde Freisa Malvasia 2007

WRC Rounds Started (Completed): 0 (0)

Overall Wins: 0

Class wins:14

Current Car: Renault Clio R3 R3C

Brendan Reeves

Nationality: Australia

DOB: 29-8-1988

National Debut: Victorian Club Rally Series Yakerboo Stages 2005

WRC Rounds Started (Completed): 1 (1)

Overall Wins: 6

Class wins: 6

Current Car: Subaru Impreza N12

Craig Breen

Nationality: Irish

DOB: 2-2-1990

National Debut: Tipperary Stonethrowers Rally 2007

WRC Rounds Started (Completed): 6 (6)

Overall Wins: 0

Class wins: 11

Current Car: Ford Fiesta S2000

Fredrik Ahlin

Nationality: Swedish

DOB: 2-8-1991

National Debut:

WRC Rounds Started (Completed): 0(0)

Class Wins: Unknown

Overall wins: Unknown

Current Car: Subaru Impreza N12

Jan Cerny

Nationality: Czech

DOB: 6-6-1990

National Debut: Unknown

WRC Rounds Started (Completed): Unknown (Unknown)

Overall Wins: Unknown

Class wins: Unknown

Current Car: Unknown

Molly Taylor

Nationality: Australian

DOB: 6-5-1988

National Debut: Rally of the Manning Valley 2005

WRC Rounds Started (Completed): 0(0)

Overall Wins: 1

Class wins: 5

Current Car: Citroen C2-R2 Max

Meeke thanks Peugeot for 'unforgetable' years

Reigning IRC Champion Kris Meeke has hailed Peugeot UK team for his two ‘unforgettable’ years in the Championship.

Meeke was Peugeot UK’s surprise signing at the start of 2009 when he signed for the new arm of Peugeot’s partnership with Kronos Racing. Meeke crashed out of his first event, the Rallye Monte Carlo, but stormed to four wins, two second places and a handful of other points scoring positions. He won the first RAC MSA Rally of Scotland, but was stripped of his victory because of weight irregularities with his 207 S2000.

This year hasn’t gone so well to plan. Skoda dominated the year, winning all but four events. Skoda’s domination left Meeke and Kronos at a loss.

“In a way, it would have been nice to finish third last year and win the title this time. It has been a fantastic time for me, just fantastic. I’ll always be so grateful to Peugeot UK for what the opportunity they gave to me. Okay, this year hasn’t gone quite to plan, but last year exceeded our expectations. We really achieved a lot together and I’ll never forget that.” Said the reigning Champion.