At Thursday did Renault Sweden and SMSC (Swedish Motorsport Challenge) present a new Swedish team that will compete in JWRC 2006. They will compete in an ex-works Renault Clio Super 1600, starring two young promising Swedes, Patrik Sandell and Emil Axelsson. The debut will be held 3rd-5th February in their home WRC event, Uddeholm Swedish Rally.

The 23-year-old driver and his 22-year-old codriver, will do their first season in a Super 1600 car. After other Swedish successful drivers as P-G Andersson and Daniel Carlsson, they will be the 4th Swedes to compete in the JWRC.

- This is just perfect, my aim the last years has been to drive in the JWRC, says a delighted Patrik.

Patrik and Emil will drive for the first Swedish team in the JWRC. Some of the people that helped P-G Andersson on his way up will be involved in the new team. It will be supported by Renault Sport, France.

- Renault Sport is very professional, they will give me what is needed to challenge the top teams, so it´s all up to me and Emil. We’re really looking forward to the Uddeholm Swedish Rally, says a happy Patrik.

Patrik and Emil is reigning Swedish Champion (driving a Renault Clio Ragnotti, Group N3) and members of the Swedish National Rally Team. Now they’re taking the next step, driving a Super 1600 Clio.

- Our goal for next year is to gain experience, so that we can fight for the JWRC title in 2007, says Emil.

The first official test for the Swedish team is planned to be held in early January. A month later, 3rd - 5th February, will Uddeholm Swedish Rally take place. For the first time with JWRC status and with the first Swedish JWRC team at the starting line.



Kilde : Pressemelding