2015 ERC Junior champion Emil Bergkvist is set to make his debut in an R5 rally car on the final round of the 2015 FIA European Rally Championship, the Rallye International du Valais. The Swedish driver and his co-driver Joakim Sjöbergwill tackle the event in a Saintéloc Racing prepared Peugeot 208 T16.
Bergkvist took three wins on his way to the ERC Junior crown this year and won the series by 43 points from Latvian driver Ralfs Sirmacis. “We are thrilled by the big chance to drive an R5 car at Rallye du Valais.” said the Swede.
“I am sure it will be as much of a challenge as big fun. A big ‘thank you’ to Opel for making this happen. It’s a reward for what we achieved together in the ADAC Opel Rallye Junior Team. We really appreciate this sign of respect and trust.”
Berkvist is still contracted to Opel Motorsport and will wear his ADAC Opel Rallye Junior Team overalls while competing in the Peugeot powered car. “Of course we would prefer seeing our works drivers Emil and Joakim in an Opel R5 car.” said Jörg Schrott, Head of Opel Motorsport.
“But as this project is postponed and our European champions deserve this reward so much, we are delighted to release both for this outing at Rallye du Valais. We cross our fingers and are convinced they will perform as impressively as they did in our Opel Adam R2.”
The Rallye International du Valais is based in the South-West of Switzerland and kicks off on October 29.
