PONTUS TIDEMAND HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CLINCH THE WRC 2 TITLE AT ADAC RALLYE DEUTSCHLAND THIS WEEKEND.The Swede has dominated the WRC’s major support category in his Skoda Fabia R5 with four wins and a second place in his five starts.
Fourth or higher will be sufficient for Tidemand, provided Teemu Suninen does not win on Germany’s unpredictable asphalt roads. If the Finn takes maximum points, the title fight moves onto the next round in Spain.
Tidemand’s experience could be a key factor. He has competed here four times before, winning WRC 2 in 2014, and knows how unpredictable weather can be key to the outcome.
“At this time of the year the weather is changing very much. It can be full sunshine to full rain in 10 minutes. If the weather would be like this it can one of the hardest rallies of the complete season,” he said.
Suninen returns to WRC 2 after stunning performances in Poland and Finland when he finished sixth and fourth overall on his first two appearances in the headline World Rally Car category.
“No matter what category we compete in, the challenge remains the same and we need to show our speed,” said the Ford Fiesta R5 driver. “This rally has always felt difficult. There’s not much clean Tarmac and the conditions are changing all the time.”
This 10th round of the season has a strong entry. Eric Camilli, fourth in the points, and Jan Kopecký, two positions further back, line up in a Fiesta and Fabia respectively.
Quentin Gilbert enlisted the help of former Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Peugeot works driver Freddy Loix in his preparations, while Benito Guerra, reigning Junior WRC champion Simone Tempestini and Gus Greensmith can boost their top 10 rankings with strong finishes.
Local hopes rest with European junior champion Marijan Griebel, who makes his WRC 2 debut in a Fabia.