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Mladá Boleslav, 17 June 2013 – The German ŠKODA pairing of Sepp Wiegand and Frank Christian arrive in Sardinia back in the title hunt. Taking place from 20th to 22nd June, the gravel-based Rally Italy is a real highlight in the World Championship calendar.

There has been a real buzz around the talented ŠKODA team of Wiegand/Christian since the start of the WRC 2 season. After securing victory in the snow at the Monte Carlo Rally, the two ŠKODA aces have also enjoyed two third-placed finishes on the ice in Sweden and on gravel in Portugal. This had propelled the German duo to the top of the WRC's overall standings. After playing no part in the previous two races, the 22-year-old Wiegand and his co-driver, six years his senior, are now hungry for more success.

"I can hardly wait to get back behind the wheel. Of course, we are up against some stiff competition in Sardinia, but we want to be on the attack. I'm hoping for a place on the podium," said Wiegand. The German has only taken part in three of the six races staged so far this season in the ŠKODA Fabia Super 2000. Despite this, he is currently sitting in fourth place with real hopes of mounting a challenge at the top of the leaderboard. This is a real possibility in view of the fact that each team's six best results are chosen to decide the champion at the end of the season.

"The fight at the top will remain open until the very last race. We have good chances of staying in the mix, if we continue to drive fast without making any mistakes," said Wiegand. Boulders on the side of the track are a particular hazard that makes driving in Sardinia no mean task. In addition, the Rally Italy is completely new territory for the ŠKODA driver.

"I have heard lots about Sardinia though, and am looking forward to the challenge. Gravel is my favourite road surface. This is possibly due to my previous life in motorbikes – I feel happy on gravel," said Wiegand.

The rally will be staged over 16 stages covering 304.50 kilometres in the stunning backdrop of Sardinia. Spectacular jumps such as 'Mickey's Jump' and stunning river crossings are particular highlights for the thousands of fans that flock to the rally's gravel tracks.

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