After competing four years in the FIA European Rallycross Championship at the wheel of a SEAT Ibiza, the now 26-year-old Austrian Christian Petrakovits switches to a newly build VW Polo Mk4 for use in Division 1A of the 2010 FIA European Rallycross Championship.

On the first weekend of February the brand new VW Polo S1600 was presented at a racing show under large interest of media and spectators. In close co-operation and with the support of Volkswagen Motorsport Austria a works body shell including the safety cage was purchased. Originally the parts were imported from South Africa. With an independent suspension at the rear axle, which was also used by the successful Renault Clios in the previous seasons, and the newest Reiger suspension, the Austrian should be well prepared for Division 1A 'A' final battles. Particularly in tight corners and at high curbs, Petrakovits expects to have big advantages in comparison with his former car. The engine has been tuned by well experienced Karl Ledinegg, so the successful co-operation will be prolongated. With the support and sponsoring of several companies the participation in a full European Rallycross Championship has been secured. Regarding the question about the goals in the forthcoming season, Christian says: "With this car I want to celebrate single victories, this should be the way to have the possibility to win the title. Each of the top drivers in the ERC will have done a good job during the winter, so it is necessary to be prepared as good as possible".

rallycross.info.at  rallycross.com Frank Van Rooy and Christian Wurzer