Tension arises

Every year,  the Essen Motor Show trade fair in Germany concludes the motorsport season. I will be there from 28 November to 1 December. Journalists who would like to get an interview, please contact my management beforehand.

But the Motor Show is not only a welcome opportunity to look back to a season, it also offers the opportunity to get a few insights into the upcoming 2003 season. Our sport, cross country rallying, literally kicks off on 1 January 2003 with the Dakar Rally starting in France. Commissioned by Volkswagen, the buggy is just being built. It will be unveiled on the Motor Show. All the secrets will eventually be published.

I am really looking forward to the season opener. After all, it was a year ago that I have contested a rally for the last time so far, the 2002 Dakar Rally. When I saw the entry list for the 2003 edition, I realized once more what an enormous boost our motorsport category currently enjoys: Mitsubishi and Nissan are fielding nine cars who can fight for overall victory. Plus Nissan's latest signing Ari Vatanen was a prominent winner in the 1980s and now returns to the scene. Additionally, there is Jean-Louis Schlesser who wants to fight for top positions. Many more cars add to a field which is characterized by an enormous quality. 

I hope you are looking forward with us to the "Dakar" Rally and you will be visiting Volkswagen on the Essen Motorshow in hall 3 on stand 12/13.