Barum Czech Rally Zlín 

Sepp Wiegand returning to the Barum Czech Rally Zlín

24. 8. 2015 - Petr Linhart

Previous season wasn't less that dreamy for young German driver Sepp Wiegand. Under the flag of an official Škoda Deutchland team he was up to the end of the championship in the game for the ERC driver's title, finally he finished second behind his team-mate Esapekka Lappi.

"In 2014 we finished our ERC season with the European vice-champion title. Until the last rally we were in the fight for the European Championship win. Only a small crash with lots of bad luck decided that we were not able to start the final ERC round in Corsica. But also with this end we can be very happy about last season! We tried all the time to do good job without any major problems. I think that we did the best with our possibilities and I am proud that the vice-champion's title was the best result for a German rally driver in last 12 years," described the previous year Sepp Wiegand.

But in December 2014 there came a shocking surprise. Škoda Deutschland suddenly decided to interrupt the continuation of the cooperation with Wiegand and sympathetic driver was without further rally programme. From that moment Wiegand did only one rally! "In 2015 I only drove one German championship rally. That was my first rally with the Czech team GPD Orsák Rallysport. I really like to drive and work with this team and I am very happy about the start with GPD Orsák Rallysport at the Barum Rally," said young German from Zwönitz.

Together with his co-driver Alexander Rath Wiegand will run at the upcoming Barum Czech Rally Zlín with starting number 11. They will defend Wiegand's previous second place from BCRZ 2014. "From last year's Barum Rally I have very good memories because we finished on 2nd place overall and again like 2013 as the best non-Czech crew. For me the barum rally is one of my favourite rallies in the world. The stages are very fast and tricky, the feeling with all the Czech people and fans is incredible. I very like to drive here in Czech Republic and I am also proud that as a German driver I have lots of Czech fans," remembered Wiegand and continued about his current chances: "In 2015 I am not in the fight for the ERC championship with my probably first and last start in the ERC this year. That's why I am not the 'hunted' driver. My first exercise after a long time without driving is to find my rhythm and speed back. After that to be honest I am curious how fast I can be. For sure I try to make my best and I will enjoy every kilometre with the car and the team during the rally.

My special thanks go on this way to GPD Orsák Rallysport and its partners who make my start for the Czech Barum Rallye Zlín 2015 possible. Thank you very much!"