In a unique link for this event the team will be supported by both ProSpeed, who have supported Jardine's Rally campaign for the last two years, and VSM, together with Kumho and Topaz who will supply fuel.
Richard Hogg, who owns the Skoda Octavia, commented: "Tony and Maurice are definitely in for a big shock as the WRC Skoda is a major step up from the production car they are used to. They will probably have to spend the Friday familiarising themselves with the car, then really go for it on the Saturday. After that they will just have to get the car home on the Sunday. We are really looking forward to seeing how they get on, and are hoping for a good result."
With so much support behind them the pressure will be mounting for Jardine and Hamilton to perform well on the stages.
"It has always been my goal to compete in Ireland, whilst similarly dreaming of driving a WRC car. Now the two have come together and, being completely honestly, I am scared," said Jardine. "Just thinking of the challenge gives me vertigo! The closest I have got up until now is driving a group N Subaru on Rallye Sunseeker three years ago, and that was quick enough!
"From its reputation, I know the Donegal Rally will be fast and tough. I have been watching the in- car footage of Loeb in last year's rally through my fingers. I covered my face in terror as he reached 130mph on the narrow slippery lanes. And with flat out stages like the famous Atlantic Drive, this event is not for the faint hearted."
"Tony and I will have to adapt to the Skoda very quickly as we won't be driving it properly until the event itself," added navigator Hamilton. "Compared to the cars we have experienced before this will be like a rocket ship - it has more technology than the
F1 cars I write and talk about."
