VW/Sasol unite for Rally champs
2013-02-03 17:41
NEW PARTNERS, NEW LIVERY: VW SA and Sasol have forged a new partnership for the 2013 SA National Rally championship in vivid blue, yellow and white. They promise "an exciting season".
JOHANNESBURG - Two powerhouses of South African motorsport have united for the 2013 National motorsport championship season - VW and Sasol.
The partnership, they claim, will be one of the most formidable in the National Rally championship.
David Powels, MD of VW Group SA, told Wheels24: “Our partnership with Sasol heralds a new era of VW’s involvement in SA motorsport. Sasol is passionate about motorsport - just as we are at VW.
“The group is now fully involved in rallying and recently finished second in our debut World Rally championship in Monte Carlo. VW SA has benefited from the group’s involvement in rallying and forged strong relationships with German colleagues over the past 12 months.
"We're confident this relationship will serve our team well in the 2013 SA Rally championship."
'EXCITING SEASON'
The team will field three S2000 entries and an S2000 Challenge entry in the eight-round local championship and appear in a full new livery (see image above).
Alan Cameron, MD of Sasol Oil, said: "The partnership will mean an exciting season. It is a strong strategic fit that leverages our respective product innovation and technical superiority. The association will be beneficial for both companies and for fans.
"It will also create an experiential platform for customers to engage and connect with the Sasol brand through our products."
'HIGHLY ENTERTAINING'
The drivers/navigators will be Enzo Kuun/Guy Hodgson and Hergen Fekken/Pierre Arries, joined by Henk Lategan/Barry White in a Sasolracing Polo S2000. Gugu Zulu/Carl Peskin will debut a Polo Vivo in the S2000 Challenge category - a class they won in its inaugural 2012 season.
Mike Rowe, VW Motorsport boss, told Wheels24: "Our team is enthusiastic and looking forward to competing in Sasol colours. The championship this year is going to be exciting and highly entertaining.”
kwaZulu-Natal will host the first round of the season on Friday and Saturday March 8/9 on narrow sugar-cane roads with limited visibility and very little grip.
