Wilks switches to Peugeotposted in RSCOT29 | 10 | 2010

RALLYSCOTLAND WINNER Guy Wilks, who powered his Skoda to victory in 2009, has switched his allegiance to Peugeot for 2011. The Darlington driver, who was on course to win RallyScotland again earlier this month before transmission problems halted his Skoda, said the opportunity to join Peugeot UK in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge was "too good to resist."

The 30-year-old's first competitive outing in his new 207 S2000 — the car vacated by 2009 IRC champ and Colin McRae protege Kris Meeke — will be on the opening IRC round of 2011, the Monte Carlo Rally in January. Wilks' co-driver Phil Pugh will join him in in the Kronos Racing-run Peugeot next season.

"We are very excited to be joining Peugeot UK for the 2011 IRC," Wilks (pictured) said. "It was a difficult decision to leave Skoda UK and I am indebted to them for their support in 2010.

"But the opportunity to drive the Peugeot 207 S2000 for Peugeot UK, with the support of a team like Kronos was too hard to resist. We're highly motivated for 2011 and can't wait for the Monte." And Wilks' move was welcomed by Peugeot UK managing director Jon Goodman

"I am delighted to have both Guy and Phil join the Peugeot UK team," Goodman said. "We had a difficult year this year but I am sure that together with Kronos we can get back to our winning ways in 2011. We know we have a winning car, and in Guy and Phil we can also have a winning team."

The Peugeot struggled this year, often being outpaced by the Skoda and after their domination in 2009, Meeke's only success this year was winning in Brazil. The year was also a tough one for Wilks who missed much of the season after breaking his back in a high-speed crash in Sardinia.

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Jim McGill