27/05/2009: Abarth hires Belgian champion Bernd Casier for Ypres Rally

Two Grande Punto Abarth S2000s are entered in the Ypres Rally, the fifth round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge which will take place in Belgium from 18-21 June. In addition to the Grande Punto Abarth entrusted to the Italian crew of Giandomenico Basso and Mitia Dotta, another Grande Punto Abarth S2000 will defend the colours of the Scorpion's squad in the hands of Belgian champion Bernd Casier, co-driven by Francis Caesemaeker.

The Ypres' event is an all-asphalt race with a very specific and tricky route which unfolds in the plain and low hills of the area, dotted with heaps of 90 degrees junctions. This is a specialised event which favours the local drivers. For this reason, Abarth has chosen to provide one of its cars to an expert of this event which features different characteristics from those usually met with. In doing so, the team managed to sign the best driver currently available on the market. In fact, as Abarth did, the other manufacturers have also made sure they had a Belgian in their line-up: Loix with Peugeot, Duval with Skoda and veteran Snijers with Volkswagen.

Casier, aged 29, has already competed with cars bearing the Italian brand. He won the Super 1600 category of the 2004 Belgian Championship at the wheel of a Fiat Punto Abarth.

Finnish driver Anton Alén, a highly recognised gravel rally expert, will be back behind the wheel of the Grande Punto Abarth S2000 for the second part of the season.