GUY WILKS’ year has got off to a dream start after Skoda announced he will drive for the team in this season’s 2010 Interncontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

Wilks, from Darlington, is one of Britain’s most exciting rally talents, having won the British Rally Championship twice (2007 and 2008) and finished runner-up in the 2005 FIA Junior Rally Championship.

The 28-year-old won the RAC MSA Rally of Scotland last November, driving a Å koda Fabia S2000 in competition for the first time.

Skoda UK Motorsport revealed yesterday it will contest selected rounds of the IRC with a Fabia Super 2000, beginning with the opening round of the series in Monte Carlo (January 19-23). It will also defend its Rally of Scotland title (October 14-16).

The new Skoda UK Motorsport operation is an official satellite team, working independently but closely – with Skoda Motorsport. The car will be unveiled at Autosport International show this week.

In preparation for Rallye Monte Carlo, Wilks tested a Skoda Fabia S2000 on asphalt mountain roads near Grenoble in south-east France just before Christmas, completing around 62 miles.

“I am very excited about the season ahead and driving for Skoda UK Motorsport in the 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge,” Wilks said.

“Our victory in Scotland last year showed what potential the Fabia S2000 has.

“It’s a fantastic car to drive and it suits my driving style.

“This year’s programme has come together incredibly quickly, and everyone at Skoda is highly motivated to succeed. You can guarantee that (co-driver) Phil (Pugh) and I will start every rally with one thing on our minds – and it will involve driving as fast as we possibly can!”

Robert Hazelwood, Head of Skoda UK Motorsport, said: “Our participation in the 2010 IRC brings added excitement to the brand.

“Guy Wilks, Phil Pugh and the Fabia S2000 rally car proved what is possible by winning last year’s RAC MSA Rally of Scotland. The IRC is a demanding series yet we believe we have a strong package and can do well.”