Skoda Continuing IRC Program in 2011

Skoda’s UK division announced that it will continue its IRC program, entering a Fabia S2000 in the 2011 season of the series. The Skoda team, which debuted in this year’s championship will be officially linked to the Skoda Motorsport arm.

The company was encouraged by the positive results registered in its first IRC season and plans to take part in up to 10 rounds of the 2011 series.

“We had some great results in 2010. Our entry in the IRC has generated a lot of excitement for the brand among our customers, retailers and staff and we’re keen to continue that in 2011. We are proud to be part of the Skoda Motorsport team, as they take the “double” in 2010, with unassailable leads in the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ Championships and we’re looking forward to a strong assault on the top in 2011,” said Robert Hazelwood, Skoda UK Director, showing the company determination to pursue top results in the 2011 IRC season.

Skoda has not announced its driver line-up for next year yet. We’ll remind you that earlier today, Peugeot announced the appointment of the ex-Skoda driver Guy Wilks. The driver will manhandle a Peugeot 207 S2000, entering the Peugeot-supporter Kronos team.

Here is the full schedule of the 2011 IRC season:

19 / 22nd January Monte Carlo Rally France - Asphalt
4 / 6th March Rally de los Alerces Argentina - Gravel
14 / 16th April Rally Islas Canarias Spain - Asphalt
6 / 8th May Tour de Corse France - Asphalt
23 / 25th June Ypres Geko Rally Belgium - Asphalt
14 / 16th July Sata Rally Azores Portugal - Gravel
4 / 6th August Rally Vinho da Madeira Portugal - Asphalt
26 / 28th August Barum Rally Zlin Czech Republic - Asphalt
9 / 11th September Rally Mecsek Hungary Asphalt / - Gravel
22 / 24th September Rally Sanremo Italy - Asphalt
14 / 16th October RAC MSA Rally of Scotland Scotland - Gravel
3 / 5th November Rally Cyprus Cyprus Asphalt / - Gravel