ŠKODA team have another reason to celebrate! Less than a month after winning the title in the Czech, the ŠKODA can celebrate another first place. And this time it is a world level victory. Swedish champions Tidemand with Axelsson ruled Japan during previous weekend and their triumph ensured them the overall title in Asia-pacific rally championship. And what’s more, this victory is historical – for the Czech car maker it is the fourth title in APRC in a row!
“Right now it feels indescribably good” said a pleased Pontus after finishing on Sunday. “To become APRC champion was the ultimate goal this season, both for ŠKODA and for our own. I’m so happy that we managed to deliver this result with one event to go. Things could not have gone any better!” added young Swede.
In a fifth race of the season he showed his nerves of steel again and wowed tens of thousands of spectators who had thronged to line the route. Even though there were an unceasing rain and tricky forest roads in his way, he managed to be on first place from the beginning. On Saturday evening, when the first 11 stages of the rally were magnificently completed and Pontus had a luxury lead of almost five minutes, it was almost clear who will rule the throne in APRC.
Luckily Sunday didn’t offer any drama and our crew proved to increase their lead to incredible 12 minutes. Victory in 18 special stages on the overall 20 stages speaks for itself. None of the remaining crews were able to keep up with red and white Fabia S2000 missile.
For Tidemand, the novice of the ŠKODA Motorsport team, this season is just like a fairy tale. In every race he finished on the podium. Next week you can look forward to his next performance! Together with his teammate Emil Axelsson they are going to show their strength to close France for the next WRC 2 round.
The big final APRC event in China takes place between 30 October and 1 November. You cannot miss this race, because there will be a small surprise for all of us. What surprise? Follow our website.
