Nil Solans and Pirelli make a golden combination 14.08.2018: Crowned the 2017 FIA Junior World Rally Champion, Nil Solans secured one of the biggest prizes in motorsport and stepped up to the FIA World Rally Championship’s premier support series – piloting an EcoBoost-powered Ford

Crowned the 2017 FIA Junior World Rally Champion, Nil Solans secured one of the biggest prizes in motorsport and stepped up to the FIA World Rally Championship’s premier support series – piloting an EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta R5 in this year's WRC 2 category.



Taking the next step in his career, the young Spaniard has thus far contested five events behind the wheel of M-Sport’s most successful global rally car – gaining the vital knowledge and experience required to progress at this level whilst honing his natural talent and ability behind the wheel.



Tackling this week’s ADAC Rallye Deutschland, Solans’ Fiesta will be shod with Pirelli tyres – further highlighting the close links between the Italian tyre giant and M-Sport Poland who operate the Junior series from their state-of-the-art base in Krakow.



Both companies have long invested in some of motorsport’s most talented up-and-coming youngsters, and this latest collaboration further enhances that fact – commemorated with a golden livery in celebration of Solans’ championship success.



Solans will use Pirelli tyres for the remainder of the year and is keen to continue improving and learning as his season progresses.





Nil Solans said:


“I’m really happy that a company like Pirelli has put their confidence in me, and it’s very special to do an amazing rally like this alongside one of the most important tyre manufacturers in the world.



“For me, Rallye Deutschland is one of the most difficult and tricky Tarmac rallies on the calendar. The roads are really narrow with a lot of curbs and it becomes amazingly difficult when it’s wet.



“I really enjoy rallying on this surface, but Germany is always a challenge so let’s see what we can do. We’ve done a lot of gravel rallies recently and this will be my first time with the Pirelli tyres so we’ll need to push on during the test and learn as much as we can.



“I am looking forward to the challenge and think it will be a really interesting weekend.”
 



Junior WRC Manager, Maciej Woda, said:


“It’s nice to see Nil’s Fiesta R5 in golden colours – recognising his 2017 championship title. We already know his ability to be very competitive and with Tarmac being his preferred surface the whole Junior WRC team wishes him the best of luck on these tricky stages.”




Pirelli Rally Activity Manager, Terenzio Testoni, said:


“We’re delighted that Nil gets his chance on Rallye Deutschland with Pirelli tyres – which won the WRC 2 category on the last event in Finland. It underlines the emphasis at Pirelli of boosting the careers of young drivers. Being a rapid asphalt rally, Germany is of course a very different challenge, but the same need for total control and confidence remains.



“Pirelli is now the sole supplier to the FIA Junior World Rally Championship and we have been delighted to recently renew for another season in 2019. In this way, we can continue to help young drivers make progress in the sport – in an era where it becomes more and more difficult for up-and-coming talents to raise a budget."






Anna Louise Rudd- photo M-Sport