BP Red Bull WRT Announces Promising Lineup and Dual Car Development Strategy for the Second Season of Super 2000 World Rally Championship.

Date: May 26, 2023

Introduction:

BP Red Bull World Rally Team (WRT) has recently unveiled an exciting and talented lineup for the upcoming second season of the Super 2000 World Rally Championship (SWRC) and Super 2000 World Rally Cup for Privateers. With a strong focus on car development and impressive performances, the team is determined to make a lasting impact on the rallying world.

Cars:

The team will unleash not just one, but two powerful machines onto the rally stages. Alongside the renowned Skoda Fabia S2000.

BP Red Bull WRT will also field the Ford Fiesta S2000, showcasing their commitment to providing equal opportunities for both cars to excel. 

The team aims to develop both vehicles to their maximum potential, ensuring they are finely tuned to conquer the challenging terrains of the SWRC.

Drivers:

Leading the charge for BP Red Bull WRT is the experienced and highly skilled Niklas Lappalainen, a former Praxiteles RT client who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. Lappalainen, carrying the number 19, is renowned for his technical prowess and consistent performances, making him a formidable force in the rallying world.

Joining Lappalainen is the promising young talent from Great Britain, Jacob Matthews, who recently impressed as a driver for VSpec Velocita in the previous season. Matthews, donning the number 8, has garnered a reputation for his remarkable speed, determination, and fearlessness on the rally stages.

In a move that showcases the team's commitment to nurturing young talent, BP Red Bull WRT is thrilled to announce that 15-year-old Jody Cleenwerck will be joining the main team as the driver of the Ford Fiesta S2000. Cleenwerck has captured the attention of the rallying community with his exceptional speed and talent, culminating in a remarkable victory in the highly competitive WRC-Privateers Cup. As the first South African driver to achieve such success at such a young age, Cleenwerck embodies the team's dedication to supporting emerging talents. He's also known for his remarkable achievement in the FIA Rally Star, finishing first in the African region on numerous occasions and getting the best finish of any South African and African which was 9th in the world.

Joining the team with immense passion and dedication is Estonian rally driver Hugo Raie. He will proudly run the number 7. Raie has consistently finished in the top 10 in previous seasons, showcasing his skill and determination on the rally stages. With his experience and expertise, Rae adds depth to the team's roster, further strengthening their competitive edge.

Team Ambitions:

BP Red Bull WRT's ambitions extend beyond the outstanding lineup of drivers. With a dual car development strategy, the team aims to refine both the Skoda Fabia S2000 and the Ford Fiesta S2000 to their maximum potential. The valuable feedback from Lappalainen, Matthews, and Cleenwerck will play a crucial role in optimizing the performance, handling, and overall setup of both vehicles.

By investing equal efforts into developing both cars, BP Red Bull WRT aims to establish a competitive edge in the SWRC. The team's engineers and technicians will work tirelessly to ensure that both the Skoda Fabia S2000 and the Ford Fiesta S2000 are finely tuned to deliver exceptional performance and reliability across diverse rally conditions.

Conclusion:

BP Red Bull WRT's entry into the second season of the Super 2000 World Rally Championship promises an enthralling chapter in the team's rallying journey. With an impressive driver lineup consisting of the experienced Lappalainen, the dynamic Matthews, and the prodigious Cleenwerck, along with the experienced and passionate Raie alongside the formidable Skoda Fabia S2000 and the promising Ford Fiesta S2000, the team is poised to make a profound impact on the championship.

BP Red Bull WRT's commitment to dual car development showcases their determination to maximize the potential of both the Skoda Fabia S2000 and the Ford Fiesta S2000. This strategy ensures that each car receives the attention and fine-tuning necessary to excel in the competitive SWRC.

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