Lambros Athanassoulas will take part in the FIA World Rally Championship for the first time since 2013 after announcing that he will be entering a number of rallies, beginning with the 2016 Rallye Monte-Carlo next week.
The 39-year-old was recently announced as an ambassador for Greece motorsport abroad and renewed backing from the Lascaris Foundation, which promotes Greek national identity through a variety of cultural, social and financial projects.
“The renewal of the Lascaris Foundation sponsorship, amid the given unfavourable economic situation in our country, is for us a great honour and a great responsibility,” added Athanassoulas.
Athanassoulas will pilot a Škoda Fabia R5 in the WRC2 class and be partnered by Nikos Zakheos.
“Rallye Monte-Carlo is a legendary event,” said Athanassoulas. “Along with the Acropolis Rally and the rallies in Finland and Great Britain, it is a rally that every driver wants to compete in.”
The Greek driver first experienced WRC action in 2005 when he took on the Acropolis Rally, his best result came in 2009 when he finished eighth place and won the PWRC category in a Fabia S2000.
“Our primary goal is to adapt as quickly as possible to the specific racing conditions (snow, ice, wet asphalt) and, of course, be able to finish, which in itself will be a success. Nikos and I will do everything in our power to bring the best possible result.”