Zoom Vojtech claimed a point despite the punctures

For the OMV BIXXOL Rally Team the last run of the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship ended with a further won point. The Czech OMV of pair Stepan Vojtech and Michal Ernst (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) took eighth place at the Wales Rally GB and reached 16th overall place in the WRC final standings with eight points.

Claudiu David/Mihaela Beldie's (ROM/Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) third WRC-start ended on the morning of the second day after the engine had caught fire. The P-WRC title in the series class went to Japanese Toshi Arai (Subaru) for the second time after 2005.

Stepan Vojtech can be well satisfied with his first complete season in the P-Car WRC. The Czech scored points in three out of five runs. Following sixth place in Mexico and fifth place in Ireland, Vojtech reached eighth place at Wales Rally GB. Eight won points overall means that he finished the World Championship in 16th place.

Vojtech: "This rally was especially tough and I am very happy that we crossed the finish line. I don't remember how many tyre damages we had. We are headed in the right direction and want to continue this way."

For Claudiu David the Wales Rally GB ended on the morning of the second day. While the Romanian OMV driver had been complaining about loss of power during the whole seventh special stage, at the end of the stage the oil dipstick literally shot out of the motor. Oil dropped on the hot exhaust pipe and the engine caught fire.

David: "Even though we were able to extinguish the fire very fast the engine was broken. Thus SupeRally became impossible, too. I am nevertheless very satisfied with my three assignments this season. In Japan we were close to scoring WRC points. I hope to be able to compete in one or more WRC runs next year, as well."

Since this was the last season of the OMV BIXXOL Rally Team, OMV would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to all drivers, co-drivers and Stohl-Racing for their strong commitment and great performances.

D.B. © CAPSIS International
Source OMV Bixxol Rally Team