Novikov Will Miss Entire 2010 Season

Evgeny Novikov

Lack of funds will prevent Russian teenager Evgeny Novikov from making the entry list in the 2010 World Rally Championship. Although he looked like one of the most promising young drivers in this year's WRC campaign for Citroen Junior Team, the 19-year old Russian will watch all of the 2010 events from the sidelines.

Novikov scored only 4 points in the 2009 season but looked like a strong contender for points every time he went out to compete for the Citroen's satellite team. Most times, it was the mechanical problems that prevented him from putting more points on the scoreboard.

The Russian driver also failed to secure the necessary funds to tackle the season finale in Great Britain, but it was believed the time off would offer him the chance to secure a deal for next season. Disappointingly for the 19-year old driver, neither him nor Citroen Junior Team managed to get something done for 2010.

“Due to lack of funding in 2010 and having financial difficulties now, it was decided not to go to Rally Great Britain. For the same reasons, I have to take a break and will not act next year,” said Novikov, who also revealed that he has no offer from the International Rally Challenge (IRC) either.

“The IRC is interesting, but less so than the WRC. I have no offer for the IRC and I have absolutely nothing for the WRC,” added the Russian driver.

In addition to his 4 points this season, Novikov became the youngest driver ever to win a stage in the WRC, during the Acropolis Rally. However, his 2009 campaign wasn't all milk and honey, as his tough-to-handle character led to him parting ways with former co-driver Dale Moscatt following a “scary” Rally Finland.