Bulgarian Champion Popov in for Monte Carlo
OMV is setting new standards in the group N by having drivers from all over Central Europe compete for the first time in the World Championship for series. Thanks to the new regulation, OMV drivers from different countries in the Danube area will be competing as one team for WRC points in 2006. Name of the team: `OMV CEE World Rally Team`. Bulgarian Champion Jasen Popov will be opening the new season in Monte Carlo in a Mitsubishi Evo VIII.
New regulation opens up new opportunities
The new FIA regulation enables different drivers to compete as one team. A chance that was not passed by. The OMV CEE World Rally Team will be competing in six of overall eight runs in 2006. Four drivers have already been employed. Bulgarian Champion Jasen Popov has been entered for Monte Carlo, Czech driver Stepan Vojtech for Mexico and the two Romanians Bogdan Marisca and Claudia David for Greece respectively Australia.

Team spirit increases motivation
The OMV CEE World Rally Team will be supported by Austria`s top tuning wizards from Stohl Racing. The successes and WRC-experience of the team are a motivation for the drivers. "I`m really looking forward to Monte Carlo," said Popov. "My championship title and the professional, experienced team boost up my morale. A place among the top eight is a realistic goal."

The OMV driver will commence with a tuning test on January, 16th 2006. This will be followed by training runs that lead up to the shakedown on January, 19th, the beginning of the Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo (January, 20th – 22nd).

Success and experience count
The OMV Team is looking back on a success story within the group N-WRC. In 2000 Manfred Stohl already celebrated the title-win in this class. Jani Paasonen and Manfred Stohl won three runs for the OMV World Rally Team in 2004 – making it the most successful private team.

Third team-mate during this season was rookie Sebastian Vollak. He benefitted by the experience of the two top drivers and was the only representative of Germany in a complete WRC-series. The following year saw the cooperation with Natalie Barratt. Supported by Central Europe`s leading crude oil and natural gas group, the Brit was the only female WRC-driver.

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