Pontus in WRC Academy 2012

At the last minute it became clear that the 21-year-old rally talent Pontus Tidemand will run the WRC Academy in 2012.

After Pontus has won both the Swedish Championship races that run during this winter overall and impressed with a third place in the SWRC class in Rally Sweden it became clear late Monday afternoon that Pontus will run the WRC Academy in 2012.

It is thanks to the excellent results during the year and through a partnership with the Norwegian talent development company EVEN rally, Pontus got the opportunity to run this year’s Junior World Rally Championship.

– Yes, it’s quick turns in motorsport. There appeared a possibility that we could get to a in the the WRC Academy at the end of last week. I am obviously very happy and grateful for the support I have from the EVEN Rally making this adventure possible, says Pontus.

Swedish National Team driver Pontus Tidemand along with co-driver Stig-Rune Skjaermoen is one of 13 drivers who are registered for the premiere in Rally Portugal. All entered competitors in WRC Academy drive identical Ford Fiesta R2 provided by Ford’s official factory team M-Sport.

This year’s series has six events and the premiere is already the last weekend in March, when Rally Portugal is run. The series then continues with the Acropolis Rally in June, then on to Finland, Germany, France and finally Spain in November. Of the six races so are three gravel-.events and two asphalt, while the finals will be run on both asphalt and gravel.

– There will be great fun and really looking forward to the opening round. There will be an incredibly learn full year, I will get a lot of experience of World Rally Championship events races, says Pontus

CALENDER WRC ACADEMY 2012

Vodafone Rally de Portugal 29 Mar – 01 Apr 12
Acropolis Rally 25 – 27 May 12
Neste Oil Rally Finland 02 – 05 Aug 12
ADAC Rallye Deutschland 24 – 26 Aug 12
Rallye de France – Alsace 04 – 07 Oct 12
Rally de Espana 08 – 11 Nov 12