Loix back in factory Fabia for Madeira

31st July 2010

By Charlie Contadeli

Freddy Loix will return to the factory Skoda Motorsport team for Rali Vinho Madeira.

The 39-year-old had been due to contest the Intercontinental Rally Challenge round in a Rene Georges Rally Sport-run Fabia but logistical complications meant he will continue with the Czech factory team, with whom he won the Geko Ypres Rally last month.

“It was not possible to go with Rene so we will be with the Skoda team again,” said Loix’s co-driver Frederic Miclotte. “It’s good because we will have the wide track car again and that will be better on the Tarmac but because the deal [with Skoda] was made quite late we will have no testing and that’s disappointing.”

Despite that handicap, Miclotte says he was confident they could challenge for victory on the island event.

“I have been there three times, Freddy many times also,” said Loix. “We were together last year and although it’s a very difficult rally I think a win is possible. We don’t have to think about the championship – we just go flat out for the victory.”