Abbring, Wiegand get Welsh VW drive

Volkswagen has chosen which drivers will get a drive in a Skoda Fabia S2000, run by the German automotive giant, for Wales Rally GB.

Former J-WRC round winner Dutchman Kevin Abbring will drive one of the Fabia's on the Welsh classic, while Sepp Wiegand will pilot the other Fabia.

Abbring needs no introduction. The 22 year old took wins in the J-WRC before the category was scrapped in favour of the new-for-2011 WRC academy. He is a member of the FIA Institute Academy, a driver-training programme run by the governor of world autosport. He is seen as a very promising driver in the WRC at the moment.

Wiegand is less well known at World level. He took over Christian Riedemann's Academy drive after German Riedemann was being assessed by VW on Rallye Deutschland. Wiegand only made his rally début last year, jumping ship from motocross. Since then, he has taken class wins in national rallies in Germany, as well as fourth in the WRC Academy in France.

VW Motorsports boss Kris Nissen says that Wales Rally GB is a rally VW “must experience the rally in competitive conditions” before they commit to the WRC in 2013.

"The Wales Rally Great Britain is one of the most challenging events in the World Rally Championship. The fast gravel tracks, narrow forest trails and the unpredictable weather have made it a classic. Therefore, it is a must for our team to experience this rally in competitive conditions.”

On all of the events VW have entered this year, they have fielded a native driver, with Joonas Lindroos driving in Finland, Christian Riedemann in Germany and Yeray Lemes in Spain.

However, for Wales Rally GB, VW have taken the decision not to run a local driver, with Nissen saying he didn't see any local driver who deserved the VW drive. Nevertheless, he defended their choice of drivers.

"At the same time we're giving two young drivers the opportunity to get to know our team and to show their skills. Sepp Wiegand is very young but has already caused a sensation on numerous occasions. Kevin Abbring has a little more international experience but also has to adjust to a new car and a new environment. Both teams have our full support."