Škoda UK

A lot has been made in the press recently about Škoda UK’s driver announcement and having read/heard all the negative comments I wanted to add my voice to the mix.

I personally rate Andreas Mikkelsen highly as a driver. I like his attitude and as Carlton Kirby said, ‘he’s a PR’s dream.’

Yes, he may have used ‘Daddy’s money’ to get him to the World stage and where he is now but so what? Look at the Cyprus Golden Stage Rally – he blew everyone out of the water.
Alright, many will argue that the competition just wasn’t there (the likes of Hanninen, Meeke etc.) but how do you explain Wales Rally GB? I was stage side watching and for me he was the most exciting driver out there.

When Guy Wilks announced he was leaving Škoda UK for Peugeot there was always a question as to who was going to replace him. Everybody guessed a Brit would rise up to the plate – maybe someone from the BRC? So when the shout came many fans were left reeling and full of questions.

In the UK we have a brilliant array of drivers however what we are lacking is the support system and structure to nurture and develop them. Other countries in Europe are prepared to put time, money and effort into their young driver programmes – we don’t have this sorted to perfection yet.

When we do suss it out, we will have every right to complain if a British driver is snubbed by a ‘British’ team. For the time being if a driver wants a seat and is prepared to pay (therefore putting money into a sport largely ignored by the masses) then let them and wait the popularity and choice to come around again.

*Preparing for the backlash*