British rally legend Jimmy McRae has praised Andreas Mikkelsen, after the ŠKODA UK Motorsport driver added the season’s first Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy to his Sata Rallye Açores victory silverware.The five times British champion, father of the much missed 1995 World Rally Champion, is part of the three-man judging panel who decide the winner of the prestigious award on each round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge – based on the speed, spectacular performance, style and never give up spirit associated with McRae. Along with Jean-Pierre Nicolas (IRC’s Motorsport Development Manager – pictured with Andreas) and Gilbert Roy (Director of Editorial and Programme Development for Eurosport Events), Andreas was the clear winner of the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy in the Azores, after scoring 10 fastest stage times (out of 13 run) and leading the opening round of the 2012 IRC from start to finish in his Fabia S2000.
“Right from when I saw him in the IRC in 2010 it was clear that he was very good,” said Jimmy McRae. “He’s got the bit between his teeth now and he’s really showing how competitive he is now. I rate him very highly.”
Followers of the IRC on Facebook agreed when they were invited to put forward their suggestions via an online poll, with Andreas receiving 61% of the public vote.
Source: Andreas Mikkelsen Official Website
