DARLINGTON rally driver Guy Wilks will drive a Skoda Fabia for Škoda UK Motorsport on the 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).

Wilks is one of Britain’s most exciting rally talents, having won the British Rally Championship twice (2007 and ’08) and finished runner-up in the 2005 FIA Junior Rally Championship. The 28-year old driver won the RAC MSA Rally of Scotland last November, driving a Škoda Fabia S2000 in competition for the first time.

Škoda UK Motorsport will contest selected rounds of the IRC, beginning with the opening round of the series, Rallye Monte Carlo (January 19-23). It will also defend its Rally of Scotland title (October 14-16).

The exciting new Škoda UK Motorsport operation is an official satellite team, working independently – but closely – with Škoda Motorsport.

The car’s colour scheme will combine Škoda’s iconic motorsport colours of green, white and red with a Union Jack to highlight the proud UK team effort. The car will be unveiled at Autosport International (NEC, 14-17 January).

In preparation for Rallye Monte Carlo, Wilks tested a Škoda Fabia S2000 on asphalt mountain roads near Grenoble in south-east France just before Christmas, completing around 62 miles (100kms).

Said Wilks: “I am very excited about the season ahead and driving for Škoda UK Motorsport in the 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge. "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 Škoda UK Motorsport 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 Škoda UK Motorsport, said: “Our participation in the 2010 IRC brings added excitement to the brand, and we are looking forward to the season ahead.

"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 and the opposition is world class, yet we believe Škoda UK Motorsport has a strong package and the ability to do well at every rally we contest.”