Jarkko Nikara got the best score in the Pirelli Driver Award shoot-out in Europe, plus videos of the stages in Austria
Above are the overall results from the Pirelli Star Driver Shoot Out held in Freistadt, Austria at the weekend showing Jarkko Nikara with the highest score.
The result was decided by a panel of six judges which included Walter Rohrl and Michele Mouton. How the the points system was worked was a secret but interviews and performances on the stages in Friestadt were part of the process. It was also felt the judges considered the drivers age and career progression to date.
As one can see being fastest on the stages was only a very small consideration as both Gassner and Cronin, the quickest men, finished fourth and seventh respectively in the overall competition.
Nikara and Semerad, the winners, have relatively less competitive experience compared to others in the competition and Semerad was the youngest competitor. One slightly funny observation was that Nikara turned up to the event sporting Michelin gear.
Jarkko Nikara delighted to win:
It was very important to me to present myself well here. But right now I am overwhelmed, spellbound and very, very happy. This was my dream. I still can hardly believe that I will be competing in six WRC-runs next year. And I can promise one thing: I will come back here to Freistadt for the Jänner-Rally.”
Martin Semerád victory comments:
This is unbelievable. It is the best day of my life. Now I know that dreams can come true. I know that next year will surely be very hard – the most important thing will be to gain new experience and learn a lot. And I also will definitely return for the Jänner-Rallye.”
Walter Röhrl justifies the decision of the jurors:
There was no argument about Jarkko as far as driving was concerned. With the subsequent drivers it was a close decision, meaning the ones from the Czech Republic, Italy and Ireland. We finally agreed upon the youngest driver, 18 year old Martin Semerád. It was a decision everybody could live with. The special stage times were not the only decisive factor.”
According to GPweek.com the two winners may be driving Pirelli backed Mitsubishi Evo X's on the six PWRC rounds they will contest next year as the prize.
Highlights of the Pirelli Star Driver shootout:
Simone Campedelli in-car SS6:
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