Skoda Teams Up with Red Bull for IRC

Czech manufacturer Skoda will make its official entry in the FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship next season, as announced through a press release earlier this week. Actually, Skoda will become involved in the Red Bull Skoda team only partially, as the squad will be a result of a joint venture between Skoda Motorsport, Baumschlager Rally Racing and Red Bull.

“We are really pleased that we can contribute to further growth of the Fabia Super 2000 project as part of Red Bull and BRR,” said Skoda boss, Michal Hrabanek.

“Red Bull is one of the strongest possible partners on today's sports scene. The BRR team led by Raimund Baumschlager, a nine-times Austrian Rally Champion and the buyer of the first Fabia Super 2000 vehicle we sold, is a guarantee of a highly professional approach and top-class background.”

Reigning Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Juha Hanninen will continue to drive for the team in 2011, as he will be joined in by German youngster Hermann Gassner Jr.

“First of all, I wish to thank Skoda Motorsport and also Red Bull, our partner, for their support. We have only the best experience of co-operating with them, and they are both leaders in what they do,” added Hrabanek.

“Juho has been one of the top drivers over the last few years, I remember him when he used to appear in PWRC. He was our toughest competitor in the battle for the championship title. At the same time, I know him as an excellent test driver and a great chap, too. I am sure that with him around we can think of the highest ranks.”

“Hermann Gassner [meanwhile] has a great opportunity to grow beside Juho and learn from him, in both tests and the rallies. We are planning to appear in about seven Championships events,” he concluded.