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