The fourth round of the FIA WRC Academy at the 2012 ADAC Rallye Deutschland will be one of new experiences for the WRC Academy crews. Not only will the event see the competitors tackle asphalt rallying for the first time this season, but it will also see them welcome a new crew to the ranks – Slovakia’s Martin Koči and his Czech co-driver Lukáš Zámečník.
Contesting Rallye Deutschland as part of the WRC Academy for a one-off taster event ahead of the 2013 season, Koči will experience all that benefits a WRC Academy competitor on-event. Rallye de France and Rally de España remain open for similar initiatives, and any up-and-coming young driver eager to get a taste of the WRC Academy – supported by Ford Racing in Europe and with control tyres from Pirelli – should contact WRC Academy Manager, Kate Rhodes (krhodes@m-sport.co.uk).
At the tender age of 19, Koči is one of the most promising young talents in Eastern Europe. Born into the world of motorsport, the youngster started his career at the wheel of Havel Buggies, competing in his first race at the age of nine in non-motor karts.
Embarking on a career in rallying, the then 16-year-old was swiftly ranked amongst the top N1 category drivers. Last year saw Koči finish third in the Czech Republic’s Citroën Racing Trophy, but the youngster marks the 2007 Nyirad Autocross as his most memorable event – finishing first in the JB 600 MSR category for the very first time.
Koči will contest the fourth round of the WRC Academy with the backing of his Styllex Motosport Team – the most successful team in Slovakia.
Although Koči and Zámečník will be unable to score points when they join the WRC Academy crews at Rallye Deutschland, the duo will profit from a wealth of training and experience as they prepare for a full assault on the series next year should their Styllex Motorsport team succeed in raising the necessary funds.
Specifically, Koči and Zámečník will have the opportunity to attend a training session from renowned shock absorber manufacturers, Reiger, on location in Trier. Sharing their knowledge of damper set-up and mechanics, representatives from Reiger will strip a Ford Fiesta R2 damper to give a fuller understanding of the car’s suspension and how adjusting the damper ‘clicks’ can improve the performance of the car.
Martin Koči said:
“Our team has been considering my participation in the WRC Academy for a couple of months now. After Finland our [regular] car cannot be prepared in time for Germany, so this is a great opportunity for us to experience all that the WRC Academy has to offer.
“I am looking forward to comparing my skills with the fast drivers in the [WRC] Academy. This will be my third WRC event and my goal for the season is to gain many valuable experiences and get acquainted with various characters in the WRC. I hope to get used to the Ford Fiesta [R2] quickly and achieve some good times.”
The closing dates for entry to the 2012 Rallye de France-Alsace and the 2012 RACC Rally de España are the 4th September and 8th October respectively. Those wishing to join the WRC Academy ranks for either of the final two events should contact the WRC Academy Manager prior to the closing date.
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- FIA WRC Academy director visits Rally Sweden
- FIA WRC Academy launch
- Mikko Hirvonen advises FIA WRC Academy crews
- FIA WRC Academy regulations published
- FIA WRC Academy pre-season training dates announced
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- FIA WRC Academy invites you to Lisbon
