Henning Solberg & Cato Menkerud join the team
OMV, Central Europe`s leading crude oil and natural gas group, continues to be active in the FIA World Rally Championship.
After the highly successful 2005 season (ninth place in driver`s WRC ranking and two places on the podium) OMV is to broaden its activities.
For the first time they will compete for manufacturer points during a complete season. The `OMV Peugeot Norway World Rally Team` will compete in twelve runs in the M2-ranking with two top drivers. The `Austro-Express` Stohl/Minor will furthermore fight for driver-WRC-points at one additional rally. The two Peugeot 307 WRC`s will be employed by Bozian Racing.

The lion roars on
The successes of the Peugeot 307 WRC in the World Championship 2005 have definitely influenced the decision of the whole team: two victories, twelve podium places overall and 135 points in the Manufaturer`s WRC speak a plain language. The professional team of Bozian Racing which will take advantage of Peugeot Sport technical support are a further guarantee of quality. The premiere of the OMV Peugeot Norway Word Rally Team will take place at the first WRC run in Monte Carlo (January 20 to 22, 2006).

Package confirms performance
“To me this project is a confirmation of our performance and a big challenge at the same time," said Manfred Stohl. "I`m sure that we have a perfect package that should enable us to compete for top places once again. Thirteen runs are a great basis that should give us a secure background right from the beginning."

During the coming season the Austrian will also celebrate his 100th start in the FIA World Rally Championship.

Looking forward to the coming season
With Henning Solberg, the team gains an experienced rally driver who has proven his class once again in 2005 with fourth place in Cyprus and fifth place in Sweden. Therefore his brother Petter Solberg (World Champion 2003) will become his opponent at twelve runs next year.

“Our decision for the Peugeot 307 WRC means that we get a car of the highest technical level. I`m convinced that it will enable us to compete with the best. Due to the M2 regulation we won`t have to change anything at the car. I`m really looking forward to working with the new team," said the Norwegian driver.

Experience and quality vouch for success
Since 36 years the French tuning wizards from Lyon stand for professionalism, success and their closeness to Peugeot Sport. The 25-man team will furthermore be supported by Peugeot personnel during the whole season. OMV Peugeot Team Manager Jacky Bozian: "This is a great project for us. We want to win the ranking of the M2 class with these pilots and our team. That is no illusion but a realistic goal."

Schedule

January 20 to 22, 2006 Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo (MC)
February 3 to 5, 2006 Uddeholm Swedish Rally (S)
March 3 to 5, 2006 Corona Rally Mexico (MEX)
April 28 to 30, 2006 Rally Argentina (RA)
May 19 to 21, 2006 Supermag Rally Italia-Sardina (I)
June 2 to 4, 2006 Acropolis Rally of Greece (GR)
August 18 to 20, 2006 Neste Rally Finland (FIN)
September 22 to 24, 2006 Cyprus Rally (CY)
October 13 to 15, 2006 Rally of Turkey (TR)
October 27 to 29, 2006 Telstra Rally Australia (AUS)
November 17 to 19, 2006 Rally New Zealand (NZ)
December 1 to 3, 2006 Wales Rally GB (GB)

Manfred Stohl/Ilka Minor additionally compete at:

August 11 to 13, 2006 OMV ADAC Rallye (GER)


Tags: omv, henning-solberg, manfred-stohl,