Stohl set for WRC return

Manfred Stohl is set to make a shock FIA World Rally Championship comeback in New Zealand later this month.

Stohl, who claimed six podiums in the WRC during his driving career before focusing on his own rally team, has been entered in the Stohl Racing-run Brazil World Rally Team Ford Fiesta RS WRC normally driven by Daniel Oliveira, who has decided not to compete on the Brother-backed event from 21-24 June.

“There are still some negotiations but if it goes ahead it will be a one-off,” said Stohl, who turns 40 in July. “I have not driven the car before and the other drivers will be very competitive so it won’t be easy but New Zealand is very much one of my favourites.”

Stohl’s last WRC appearance was on Wales Rally GB in 2007 when he finished eighth overall in a Kronos Racing Citroen Xsara. He has been a regular in the Austrian championship since then in a gas-powered Mitsubishi Lancer.

Oliveira, meanwhile, will return to the WRC on ADAC Rallye Deutschland in late August.

“From the beginning Daniel decided he would not be doing New Zealand because he wants to concentrate on the rallies later in the season,” said Stohl, who will be co-driven by Tina-Maria Monega.