Swedish star Fredrik Ahlin returns to the Prestone MSA British Rally Championship in 2017 with the CA1 Sport outfit. Many new challenges face Ahlin with the 25-year-old set to drive a new, striking Skoda Fabia R5 on DMACK tyres, with new co-driver, Torstein Eriksen sitting alongside.
The Swedish National Team driver has agreed a deal with Skoda Sweden to run a Fabia R5 in Britain’s premier rallying series. Fredrik enjoyed success in the BRC last year, taking his first win on the Pirelli International Rally – the first Swede to win a BRC round in 21 years. Notching-up fourth in the standings last year, Ahlin hopes the change to a Skoda will allow even more success in the future.
“It’s a great feeling to finally be able to drive a completely new Skoda Fabia R5 this season and also very encouraging to start a cooperation with Skoda Sweden,” enthused Fredrik.
“The BRC was a obvious choice and we are definitely coming back to fight for the title. We are also looking at doing selected events in the European Rally Championship and Swedish Championship.”
It’s all change for Fredrik ahead of the 2017 season. Not only will Fredrik drive a new Skoda Fabia R5, but Ahlin will also switch to DMACK tyres.
“This year we will use DMACK tyres. They scored many good results in the BRC last year and they have a new range for 2017, so I look forward to trying the new tyres soon.”
Fredrik has a third element of change in 2017 with a new co-driver. Torstein Eriksen will sit alongside the CA1 Sport driver for the new season. “Unfortunately Morten Erik Abrahamsen, my previous co-driver cannot get the time off work for this years big plans. We have worked together for the last six years and had lots of success. I have total understanding for Morten’s decisions. I am pleased that Torstein is joining me for my exciting season ahead and look forward to working with him this year.”
Fredrik’s new co-driver, Norwegian Torstein Eriksen steps into the co-driver seat and looks forward to the BRC challenge.
“Fredrik and I got to know each other during 2015 when we where working as Gravel Crew for Mads Østberg. We had a great time together. This was a major point when I took this decision to join Fredrik for the BRC in 2017. Fredrik has on many occasions showed great pace with many good results and I hope we can work together to make this even better during 2017,” says Torstein.
Ahlin feels he has the complete package for 2017 and cannot wait to get stuck into the new challenge.
“I am motivated and focused 100% for this season and I’m really looking forward to the new car, new co-driver and the new partnership with Skoda Sweden.”
Fredrik is set to line-up alongside the other BRC crews on the Brick & Steel Border Counties Rally on the 17/18 March, the opening round of the 2017 Prestone MSA British Rally Championship.
