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Australia

Targa Tasmania: Skoda preview

Skoda's Targa entry is "Simply Clever" In a further boost to Targa Tasmania, the European manufacturer Skoda has announced that it will make its debut in the event later this month with the entry of an Octavia RS wagon in the tarmac marathon. To ...

Skoda's Targa entry is "Simply Clever"

In a further boost to Targa Tasmania, the European manufacturer Skoda has announced that it will make its debut in the event later this month with the entry of an Octavia RS wagon in the tarmac marathon.

To be driven by experienced motorsport competitor, Mike Sinclair, this will be Skoda's first foray into tarmac motorsport in Australia.

The Czech marque is probably best known in Australia through its involvement in cycling events such as the Tour de France and the Tour Down Under.

But that is about to change with a strong presence in Targa Tasmania, from April 27 to May 2.

Skoda's marketing slogan is "Simply Clever", and the Octavia RS is just that.

It combines 'hot hatch' mechanicals with a small wagon layout, making it unique in its market.

The front-wheel drive Octavia RS will compete as virtually a standard production car, with some 'tweaks' to improve performance.

Sinclair, the editor of the top-ranking Carsales Network, will be partnered by experienced rally co-driver and event organiser, Justin Hunt, in the six-day event that winds its way around the twisting network of tarmac roads of Australia's most southern state.

Skoda has a long and distinguished history in international rallying, with many successes in the World Rally Championship and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

Its most recent competition experience Down Under came at Australia's round of the WRC in 2005. In the hands of Colin McRae, their Fabia was running in third place, before a clutch problem ended his rally just kilometres from the finish.

Skoda's entry into Targa Tasmania is being supported by the Carsales Network, with the manufacturer also eyeing future tarmac rallies in Australia.

Targa Tasmania is a cavalcade of motoring history and starts on Tuesday, April 27.

After a 5.1 kilometre prologue around the streets of George Town to decide the event running order competitors tackle 39 Targa stages over a total competitive distance of over 400 kilometres.

The 19th Targa Tasmania is primarily based in Launceston, while the event also spends one night in the west coast town of Strahan, before finishing in Hobart on May 2.

-source: targa tasmania

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Edition

Australia