Skoda reveals 2004 plans, Auriol leaves.

The Skoda Motorsport Team have today revealed their plans for the 2004 FIA World Rally Championship, officially confirming that they will indeed only take part in selected events next year.

A statement from the Czech based team added that Toni Gardemeister will remain with them for a third consecutive year in 2004, while Didier Auriol has decided to leave. The selection of the second driver will be announced in due course.

"Bearing in mind our new priorities for 2004 we reached a gentlemens agreement with Didier," explained executive director of technical development for Skoda Auto, Harald Ludanek. "His acquisition last year was extremely valuable and our relationship remains very friendly."

Skoda's main target in 2004 will be the intense development of the Fabia WRC, presented on March this year at the Geneva Auto Show and later introduced to the championship, through an increased number of test sessions.

The teams first appearance will be on the Acropolis Rally in June - round six of the series.

Further events will be selected to suit the development of the car and its testing.

Skoda also revealed that team manager Pavel Janeba is to leave his position on December 31, 2003 and will end the long-term collaboration between him and Skoda Auto by mutual agreement.

Janeba has occupied his position at Skoda Motorsport since 1990 and in the past few years he was responsible for introducing the Skoda Octavia WRC and Skoda Fabia WRC cars to the World Rally Championship. Janeba will continue to collaborate with Skoda Auto on a consultancy basis.

"I feel a great deal of personal responsibility about the introduction of the Fabia WRC car and we have not yet reached the expected results. It is my decision to leave. I wish the team many successes and all the best in the continuing work," commented Janeba.