‘Scheider in full-time World RX assault’

Germantoraceaseatwithmunnichmotorsportsquad World Rallycross regular and 2008-’09 DTM champion Timo Scheider will compete in a full World RX campaign with the Munnich Motorsport squad this season.

Scheider will race a new SEAT Ibiza Supercar for the Friedersdorf-based team, having driven in selected outings in 2018 in an older version of the car.

“It’s no secret that I was bitten by the rallycross bug a long time ago,” said Scheider. “Consequently, I am more than happy to be entering my first full season as a member of Rene [Munnich]’s strong squad. We have slightly restructured the team and are preparing for the new challenges with the utmost diligence and ambition.”

Scheider made his rallycross debut with the same team in 2015, and contested a full season for the MJP Racing squad in 2017, driving a Ford Fiesta. He finished on the podium in the opening round in Spain and wound up 10th at the end of year.

“I’m very pleased to be taking my involvement in the rallycross scene to the next level,” he said. “For me too, this very special discipline is the perfect arena for tough, spectacular motorsport – and that goes for the fans and drivers in equal measure.”

Team owner and driver Rene Munnich drove an updated specification version of the Ibiza last year, with developments now being carried over onto the new car. Munnich himself will continue to race in selected rounds.

He said: “Despite the withdrawal of some manufacturers, I firmly believe in the future of the World Rallycross Championship, because for private teams it provides a massive opportunity to showcase themselves on a global and professional platform with a huge following.

“I am delighted that Scheider will be contesting the full season in parallel with his commitments as a BMW works driver. I feel confident that we have a very good overall package and that we will be genuine contenders for top positions.”