Top 10: The rising stars of world rallying
3rd August 2010By Richard Rodgers
David Richards could face an embarrassment of riches when he comes to choosing a young driver for Mini’s world championship entry next season. Here are 10 rising talents he should consider:
Kevin Abbring: Leading force in the Junior World Rally Championship, Abbring, 21, is a product of the KNAF (Dutch motorsport federation) Talent First scheme. He’s shown pace on asphalt and gravel.
Mathieu Arzeno: Circuit racer turned rally driver, the 22-year-old from France is contesting the Junior world championship in a Citroen C2 S1600.
Pierre Campana: Has no gravel knowledge, not much cash or a command of English but he’s got plenty of raw natural ability and has sparkled in the Clio R3 European Trophy this season.
Keith Cronin: The defending British champion has the pace to shine on the world stage but just needs funding and a touch more charisma to go all the way.
Hermann Gassner Jr: Capable German works as a mechanic to help pay for his small programme of WRC events. Fortunately Red Bull has taken an interest in the promising 21-year-old.
Adam Gould: Hopelessly underfunded Briton whom Petter Solberg’s co-driver Chris Patterson said was the best young driver in the British championship.
Joonas Lindroos: The 25-year-old has been tipped to shine by four-time world champion Tommi Makinen. Outright victory on the OK Auto Ralli recently was a fine effort.
Thierry Neuville: Dovetailing a limited programme in the IRC in a Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg-backed 207 with a JWRC campaign in a Citroen C2 S1600. Now impressing in both after shaky starts.
Jarkko Nikara: Former Pirelli Star Driver now achieving giant-killing results in the British championship at the wheel of a R2-specification Renault Twingo.
Ott Tanak: Victory in the Production Car World Rally Championship in Finland last month proved Tanak has the temperament to go with his undoubted raw speed.
