Timo Scheider will make a full-time return to the FIA World Rallycross Championship in 2019 with the Münnich Motorsport team at the wheel of a SEAT Ibiza.
The Austrian racer made his World RX debut with Rene Münnich’s eponymous team in 2015 prior to his first full season competing in the series in 2017, where he collected a podium en route to a top ten finish in the overall standings.
After a handful of outings with all-inkl.com Münnich Motorsport during the 2018 season, Scheider will now lead the team’s graduation to a full ten-round World RX campaign in 2019 at the wheel of an all-new SEAT Ibiza.
The two-time DTM champion will be joined in a second SEAT Ibiza entry by team manager Rene Münnich on selected events.
Timo Scheider, commented: “It’s no secret that I was bitten by the rallycross bug a long time ago. Consequently, I am more than happy to be entering my first full season as a member of Rene’s strong squad.”
“We have slightly restructured the team and are preparing for the new challenges with the utmost diligence and ambition. I am very pleased to be taking my involvement in the rallycross scene to the next level.”
“For me too, this very special discipline is the perfect arena for tough, spectacular motorsport – and that goes for the fans and drivers in equal measure. I cannot wait for the start of the season in April.”
Rene Münnich, Münnich Motorsport team manager said: “Despite the withdrawal of some manufacturers, I firmly believe in the future of the World Rallycross Championship, because for private teams it provides a massive opportunity to showcase themselves on a global and professional platform with a huge following.”
“I am delighted that Timo Scheider will be contesting his first full season in parallel with his commitments as a BMW works driver. He has quickly adapted to the demands of rallycross and demonstrated his enormous potential on multiple occasions. I feel confident that we have a very good overall package and that we will be genuine contenders for top positions.”
World RX Managing Director for IMG, Paul Bellamy, said: “We are delighted to welcome Timo back to World RX and to see Münnich Motorsport pledge their commitment to the series with a full-season entry.”
“Timo has demonstrated himself to be one of motorsport’s most versatile racers and I have no doubt the combination of himself and team’s all-new SEAT Ibiza will be a formidable one.”
The opening round of the 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship will take place in Abu Dhabi on 5-6 April.