Mikkelsen is extraordinary says team chief Zanchi

Andreas Mikkelsen’s achievement in winning back-to-back Intercontinental Rally Challenge titles has been described as “extraordinary” by one person who played a pivotal role in his double triumph.

ŠKODA UK Motorsport team principal Pierfrancesco Zanchi guided Mikkelsen to the IRC title in 2011 and 2012 during which time he watched the Norwegian flourish into one of the best young drivers in international rallying.

“Andreas’ achievement has been extraordinary this year,” said Zanchi. “The way he controlled his position in the championship and the pace he has shown. It has been a difficult year because when you have to defend the title it’s always difficult. He had strong competition from the ŠKODA [Motorsport] drivers and also from a few other drivers that jumped in during rallies.”

Zanchi continued: “I’m delighted to have been part of Andreas’ development. I still remember Rallye Monte-Carlo back in 2011 when we retired after a few corners and now we are here after two fantastic years and two championships are won. Andreas has an extraordinary talent and if he can keep developing as he’s doing now he’s definitely one to watch for the years to come. He has the potential to become world champion one day. I thought that two years ago and now I think exactly the same but even more.”