Suzuki International Europe GmbH, the German subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has announced that it will participate for the first time at an international level in 2008, when it enters a team in the
FIA Junior Rally Championship.
The outfit will compete under the 'Suzuki Rally Junior Team Germany' banner, fielding a Swift Super 1600 for rising German rally star, Florian Niegel, the current champion of the German Suzuki Rallye Cup.
Former professional Niki Schelle, who discovered the 24-year-old during the Suzuki selection training at the end of the Suzuki Rallye Cup season 2006, will manage the newly formed outfit.
"I'm pleased that Florian now has an opportunity to develop his talent and skills as a Suzuki pilot and to reveal his full potential against international competition,” stated Schelle.
"Florian is an extraordinarily talented rally driver - he works hard, he is ambitious and disciplined and is incredibly fast.
“Our competitive set-up of driver, co-pilot [André Kachel], vehicle, team and
Suzuki's commitment is an outstanding combination. That's why I'm convinced that Florian has excellent chances."
Niegel meanwhile will be in action this weekend in Wales as part of the Swift World Contest, where he will go up against seven other opponents from the world of international rallying.
“We are pleased to bring our own German team to start at the Junior Rally Championship for the first time,” added Susanne Franz, acting general manager Marketing Automobile.
“Throughout the year, Florian's superb performance has convinced us of his immense potential.
“We believe that he is ideally qualified to take on this international challenge and we are looking forward to seeing him from time to time on the winner's podium in the coming season."
![Florian Niegel will compete in the JRC in 2008 with the Suzuki Rally Junior Team Germany [Pic credit: Suzuki]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/400278.jpg)
