Zoom Casier takes the wheel in unwished circumstances

The dramatic accident which cost the life of Hans Goudezeune and seriously wounded Larry Cols could have put an end to Volkswagen's programme in Belgium. Instead, the Belgian VW Club has decided to bounce back and move ahead with its participation in the country's national rally championship.

The Polo Super 2000 initially prepared for Larry Cols will now be trusted to Bernd Casier.

"We also wanted to honour Hans' memory, who greatly contributed to the development of this car," said Belgian VW Club principal J-G Mal-Voy to the Dernière heure newspaper.

"Larry Cols' recovery will certainly be very long and we cannot foresee if he will wish to continue his rally career," Mal-Voy added.

It therefore became a question of looking for a replacement driver capable of defending the Volkswagen colours. The team chose Bernd Casier, whose contract with Peugeot came to an end last season, giving him the opportunity to secure a drive this year.

With René Georges Rally Sport having received a new Polo, the team members will now have to work long hours in order to prepare the car in record time before the start is given for the TAC Rally on 5 April.

Daniel BASTIEN
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