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Mladá Boleslav, 11th June 2013 – Following the one-two at the opening round of this year's Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), the newly formed ŠKODA MRF team is now set for its next big test at the rally in exotic New Caledonia from 14th to 16th June. The ŠKODA crews, with driving pairs Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm (Finland) and Gaurav Gill/Glenn Macneall (India/New Zealand), head to the second leg of the APRC as favourites.

The APRC could hardly have started better for the team, which is supported by ŠKODA and Indian tyre manufacturer Madras Rubber Factory. The two crews achieved an impressive one-two in New Zealand: making their first appearance in an overseas rally, Lappi/Ferm came home ahead of Gill/Macneall.

India's Gill is particularly optimistic ahead of the next stop on the APRC tour, as he lines up as defending champion in New Caledonia. "We won the rally in 2012 and I am looking forward to repeating that feat. I gained valuable experience in New Zealand," said Gill. "However, all but one of the stages in New Caledonia are new this year," said the rally driver.

The rally poses a stern test for man and machine. Experienced ŠKODA driver Gill warned of the specific difficulties the teams will encounter when they take on the routes and weather in the French archipelago in the South Pacific: "New Caledonia is a very unique rally, as the conditions can change at any time. For example, it can start to rain while the sun is still shining. If this happens, it can become incredibly slippery," said Gill.

Team-mate Lappi is also approaching his debut in New Caledonia with due caution: "The perfect start in New Zealand was good for everyone in the team. That includes us, of course, as it was our first outing in the APRC. I will try to retain our speed and rhythm from the last round. However, this is another completely new rally for me."

The Rally New Caledonia consists of 17 special stages around the capital Noumea, with a total 236.59 kilometres against the clock.

For Czech automobile manufacturer ŠKODA, entering the APRC represents in important step in the company's growth offensive in international markets. ŠKODA has set its sights on increasing its global sales to at least 1.5 million units per year by 2018, with particular emphasis on the growth markets in Asia. "The APRC, as one of the region's most important motorsport events, provides us with outstanding opportunities to present the ŠKODA brand to a large public," said Dr. Frank Welsch, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at ŠKODA.

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