Autosportfoto

Timo Scheider signs 2019 WRX deal with Munnich Motorsport

Two-time DTM champion and BMW works driver Timo Scheider will race full-time in the 2019 World Rallycross Championship season, driving for Munnich Motorsport.

Munnich will build a new Seat Ibiza Supercar for Scheider's campaign.

Scheider raced in select outings for the team in the 2018 WRX season (pictured below), alongside drives in the WTCR and ADAC GT series, but drove an older-specification rallycross car.

Team owner and driver Rene Munnich drove an updated version of the team's Ibiza this year, which included a front-mounted cooling package and adapted suspension geometry and is informing the 2019-spec machine.

"It's no secret that I was bitten by the rallycross bug a long time ago," said Scheider.

"Consequently, I am more than happy to be entering my first full season as a member of Rene's strong squad.

"We have slightly restructured the team and are preparing for the new challenges with the utmost diligence and ambition."

Scheider made his rallycross debut with the Munnich squad in 2015 and then contested a full-season for the MJP Racing team in 2017, finishing that year 10th in the standings after an opening-round podium in Spain.

"I'm very pleased to be taking my involvement in the rallycross scene to the next level," he said.

"For me too, this very special discipline is the perfect arena for tough, spectacular motorsport - and that goes for the fans and drivers in equal measure.

"I cannot wait for the start of the season in April."

Team boss Munnich will continue to drive to drive in selected rounds of the series.

He has also defended the current state of WRX after the withdrawal of major manufacturers Volkswagen, Peugeot and Audi as a result of its uncertain electric-powered future.

"Despite the withdrawal of some manufacturers, I firmly believe in the future of the World Rallycross Championship, because for private teams it provides a massive opportunity to showcase themselves on a global and professional platform with a huge following," said Munnich.

"I am delighted that Timo Scheider will be contesting the full season in parallel with his commitments as a BMW works driver.

"He has quickly adapted to the demands of rallycross and demonstrated his enormous potential on multiple occasions.

"I feel confident that we have a very good overall package and that we will be genuine contenders for top positions."

Zdroj: autosport.com