SEAT Sport is competing this season on four fronts in the Spanish and world rallies with two official teams: SEAT Telefónica MoviStar and SEAT Repsol YPF. The Telefónica MoviStar team will be seen at the Spanish Asphalt and Gravel Rally Championship, while Repsol YPF is tackling the national gravelrally as well as the four events in the highest category of the World Rally Championship.

Both teams are competing with the Córdoba WRC E3, which have been developed especially for the World Rally Championships by SEAT Sport technicians, who will also be responsible for the extensive rally participation.

SEAT Telefónica MoviStar is taking on the Spanish Asphalt and Gravel Rally Championship double challenge with the Córdoba WRC driven by Salvador Cañellas, accompanied by Alberto Sanchís. Their first commitment is the Mediterranean Rally, the first national asphalt event, held on 2 and 3 March.

At the Spanish Gravel Rally Championship, the brand is represented by the SEAT Repsol YPF official team with two Córdoba WRC units; one driven by Marc Blázquez, of the Catalan Royal Automobile Club, accompanied by Jordi Mercader, the other by Michael Huete, of the Spanish Royal Automobile Club, accompanied by Xavier Amigó. The SEAT Repsol YPF team will make its debut on 30 March at the Navarra Gravel Rally.

Four World Rally Championship events

Besides competing at the national gravel events, SEAT Repsol YPF is signing up Marc Blázquez for four events in the highest category of the World Rally Championship: Portugal, Catalonia, Argentina and Greece. With this initiative, SEAT and Repsol YPF clearly demonstrate their enthusiasm in the international promotion of young Spanish racing promises.

All of the drivers that make up the SEAT Sport official team rosters have gained experience in the Spanish brand’s Promotion Cup events, which will also be sponsored this year by Repsol YPF. SEAT Sport will continue to lend support to these young drivers with this initiative. In the year 2000 more than 150 drivers made their debut in competition driving behind the wheel of a SEAT vehicle.

Protagonists

Jaime Puig, Director of SEAT Sport: "Telefónica MoviStar and Repsol YPF have been with us from the beginning of our World Rally efforts. Both official SEAT teams face a very ambitious programme this season, and we are confident of achieving great wins".

José Antonio Lombardía, Director for Operative Marketing, Telefónica Móviles: "It is a great satisfaction that SEAT and Telefónica MoviStar are participating another year in a sports programme at the highest level at the World Rally".

Tomás García Recio, Assistant Director for Corporate Marketing, Repsol YPF: "We are thrilled to support two young drivers at the Spanish Gravel Rally Championship and help them on their way to the World Championship".

Salvador Cañellas, SEAT Telefónica MoviStar driver: "I’ve been given the great opportunity I’ve been looking for. It is a challenge to compete in both championship events under the guidance of SEAT and with the support of Telefónica MoviStar".

Marc Blázquez, SEAT Repsol YPF driver: "It’s a dream come true. After racing for only five months, the great moment has come, and I found out only a week ago. I can feel the responsibility, and especially appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given for the World Championship".

Michael Huete, SEAT Repsol YPF driver: "I’m absolutely thrilled with this opportunity. I’m eager to face the season with the intention of winning. It’ll be my first time behind the wheel of a World Rally Car, and I hope to reach the goals set out for me".