Abbring targets four-wheel drive switch

Kevin Abbring is planning to make this season his last in two-wheel drive competition after revealing plans to step up to four-wheel drive machinery in 2011.

The Dutchman, 21, has contested the Junior World Rally Championship since his debut in the class at the beginning of 2009.

He started the current campaign as one of the favourites to lift the coveted title but dropped out of contention with car-wrecking crashes in Germany and France.

Following his early exit on Rallye de France earlier this month, which came when his Renault Clio R3 slithered down a 15-metre bank after he left the road on a tight right-hand corner, Abbring said that he was determined to progress his career at a higher level.

“I want to step up now,” said Abbring. “Four-wheel drive cars fit me but now I only miss the money - that is the problem.”

Abbring’s Clio R3 was badly damaged in the crash and could result in him failing to complete the end-of-term Clio R3 European Trophy events in Switzerland and France.

“The car needs a lot of work but hopefully we can do these events so at least I can celebrate something this year,” he said.

Despite missing out on the J-WRC title, which will be fought out on the season finale in Spain later this month, Abbring believes he can still take some positives from 2010.

“I will be in Spain but just for watching because I have now done all of my five [nominated] events,” said Abbring. “It’s disappointing to be going there and not being able to fight. But it’s the other side of the speed and I can cry but I won’t because nothing will change. I’ve learned some good things this season, even in France I got some experience in new conditions and that was good.”

Abbring is supported by Dutch motorsport federation KNAF’s Talent First programme. Fellow funding recipient Hans Weijs Jr is in contention for the J-WRC crown in Spain along with German Aaron Burkart and Estonian Karl Kruuda.