Dream drive for Novikov in Wales

Evgeny Novikov wil get the "chance of a lifetime" when he contests Wales Rally GB in a full factory specification Ford Fiesta RS WRC next week.

That’s according to Ford team chief Malcolm Wilson, who recommended the Russian ace to pilot the Team Abu Dhabi entry on the World Rally Championship finale as a replacement for regular driver Khalid Al Qassimi.

Al Qassimi is unable to contest the event due to commitments with his country’s Formula One grand prix and upcoming surgery on a knee injury, sustained in a crash on Rally Japan in 2010.

“We had a big discussion with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority because of Khalid’s other commitments,” Wilson told Wrc.com. “We presented them all the options and they felt Evgeny was where they wanted to go.”

Novikov has contested selected events for the semi-works M-Sport Stobart Ford line-up this season but switched to a Citroen DS3 WRC for last month’s RallyRACC-Rally de Espana.

“It’s great for him,” Wilson continued. “He’ll drive a Fiesta in Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team colours and run from the same side of the service area as Mikko [Hirvonen] and Jari-Matti [Latvala]. It’s a great opportunity for him, a chance in a lifetime.”

Experienced Frenchman Denis Giraudet will continue to co-drive Novikov. Meanwhile, Al Qassimi’s regular navigator Michael Orr will link up with Saudi driver Yazeed Al Rajhi in a Kronos Racing-prepared Peugeot 207 Super 2000.