Gassner Jr relishing resumption of friendly rivalry

Hermann Gassner Jr says he can’t wait for Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés to begin because it means he can resume his friendly rivalry with fellow German driver Sepp Wiegand.

The two rising stars enjoyed a close battle for position on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge season-opener in the Açores last month with Wiegand heading Gassner Jr home in fourth position.

“It’s really nice for me that Sepp Wiegand is competing with ŠKODA Deutschland because we can have some very good battles together I am sure, like we did in the Açores,” said Red Bull Team driver Gassner Jr. “It’s a pity as I think we could have beaten him [in Açores] without our problem with the puncture, so we have to concentrate on making sure that we beat him next time now.”

Wiegand said: “I really liked the battle with Hermann and hopefully we can have plenty more this year. But the most important thing is to learn as much as possible.”

Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés gets underway with the first of 15 special stages on Friday morning.