Customer Racing development program returns
We are pleased to announce the four rallying stars in our Customer Racing Junior Driver program for the 2023 season, competing with the i20 N Rally2.
This talented quartet will receive support throughout the year to help them develop their careers. The ultimate aim is for them to progress into our teams at the highest level of their sporting discipline.
Our Customer Racing Manager Andrea Cisotti said: “Encouraging and supporting young drivers is an important part of our task within the Customer Racing department. We are able to help talented drivers build their careers in motorsport and with our support, they are able to show the best possible performance of our cars and succeed in their series.”
Determined duo for WRC2
Fabrizio Zaldivar and Josh McErlean return to the initiative with confirmed campaigns in WRC2. Fabrizio began his second year in the category at Rally Sweden in February as one of our official entries. In 2022, the Paraguayan claimed a best finish of fifth in class, as well as a pair of WRC2 Junior podiums.
Josh enters his third year as one of our Junior Drivers. Last season, the 23-year-old scored a superb junior class podium at Rally Estonia. At Rally Portugal, he entered the esteemed company of overall stage winners when he set the fastest time of the Porto – Foz Super Special stage with his i20 N Rally2.
Promising newcomers
Oscar Palomo will make his debut as one of our i20 N Rally2 customers when he joins the Spanish Superchampionship – stepping up from the Rally4 category in which he won the 2022 ERC4 title.
Joining him in graduating from Rally4 is Charles Munster, who will divide his time between the national championship in Belgium and the French gravel championship.
Each of the Junior Drivers will have opportunities to test with our team, allowing them to work closely with our engineers and experienced roster of drivers. They and their teams will be able to rely on the efficient spare parts supply and engineering support from our Customer Racing department.
“The drivers we have selected for the 2023 program have all shown great pace in previous seasons. With the opportunities we can offer them as Junior Drivers – on top of the high standard of support we offer all our customer teams and drivers – I am sure they all have a successful year ahead,” concluded Andrea.
