FIA WRC Academy Pre-Season Training Dates Announced

The WRC Academy Ford Fiesta RS

Photo by: Ford Motor Company

M-Sport has today announced the dates for the FIA WRC Academy pre-season training as 6 to 8 March 2012. Registered competitors will be invited to M-Sport’s HQ at Dovenby Hall where they will receive expert tuition in a number of disciplines ahead of the season opener in Portugal next month.

The training sessions will be split over three days with two groups each completing two full days of training: one day to familiarise competitors with the Ford Fiesta R2, and one centring on the administrative side of the sport and mentor guidance.

The practical training will start with a technical introduction to the award-winning Ford Fiesta R2 from an experienced team of M-Sport engineers and technicians. Drivers and co-drivers will then participate in a wheel change competition before heading to M-Sport’s testing ground where they will receive instruction from an experienced driver mentor and the opportunity to test the Ford Fiesta R2 for themselves.

Focusing on the administrative side of the sport, the managerial training will bring competitors together for briefings on media activities, career management and organisation on event. Competitors will also partake in a physical exercise – to assess each individual’s flexibility, core strength, endurance and reaction speed – as well as first aid training and team building activities.

Supplying the WRC Academy with control tyres again in 2012, Pirelli will also be on hand to brief competitors on the various compounds available throughout the season.

The closing date for FIA WRC Academy entries ahead of the 2012 Vodafone Rally de Portugal is 27 February. Please see www.wrc.com/wrcacademy for further information or contact WRC Academy Manager, Kate Rhodes, at krhodes@m-sport.co.uk or +44 (0)1900 828 888.

FIA WRC Academy Manager, Maciej Woda said:

“The training days are a great opportunity for competitors to get to know each other and become integrated into the team. As last year proved, a working knowledge of the car [Ford Fiesta R2] can be a big advantage both within the Academy Cup and in each driver’s personal development.

“Last year we were very proud of the atmosphere we created within the [FIA WRC] Academy and this year will see another big emphasis on team building and sportsmanship. I am really looking forward to meeting everyone – old friends and new – next month.”

FIA WRC Manager, Michèle Mouton said:

“Becoming an FIA World Rally Champion is about so much more than just driving fast. Training is so important and covers many different aspects. A driver needs to know how to conduct themselves with the media, how to find sponsors, personal preparation, fitness, hydration; the list goes on. As part of the FIA World Rally Championship, the WRC Academy has unrivalled access to some of the world’s most experienced people in the sport; the knowledge and experience they can pass on to our stars of the future is priceless.”