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| The 2019 GRX Taneco driver line-up: Niclas Gronholm (left), Timur Timerzyanov and Reinis Nitiss. |
The team has retained their two permanent drivers – Niclas Grönholm and Timur Timerzyanov, who will drive the 2019 Hyundai i20 Supercars – while development driver Reinis Nitišs will be taking part in several World RX outings.
GRX Taneco successfully debuted their Hyundai i20 Supercars in 2018 claiming fourth in the World RX standings.
“We knew that our first season with a new car would be tough, but we exceeded our expectations in 2018 and throughout the winter break we have been working hard to improve our i20 Supercars and take the next step in 2019,” said Marcus Grönholm, Team Principal - GRX Taneco.
The team recently tested their 2019 Supercar in Southern France, and after trying out the first updates the drivers and management are confident for the season ahead.
“This will be the first time I will drive the same car for a second consecutive season and I will start it with a good knowledge of the i20 Supercar," said Niclas Grönholm. "The base performance was already there and we have worked on tweaks around the car to shave off crucial tenths of a second."
Timur Timerzyanov returns with GRX Taneco in 2019 after finishing 10th overall in the driver's standings.
“Rallycross is my passion and I believe in it, so naturally I am pretty thrilled to start my sixth season of World RX and to do a second year together with GRX Taneco," said Timerzyanov. "This season will offer more opportunities for privateer teams, meaning that we also have a bigger chance to show our supporters good results and great action for the fans."
The Russian is raring to go racing and feels that the 2019 season is going to be exciting. "It’s just 10 rounds, so there will be no sandbagging and everyone will be trying to claim the podium positions,” he concludes.
The GRX Taneco team have added a third car for several rounds this season. GRX Taneco Team Manager Jussi Pinomäki explains: "For further improvements we have also added a third car for several rounds with Reinis as our development driver, to help us gain data and continue the car’s evolution.”
“I’m happy to be back in World RX, even though it’s not a full-season programme," said Reinis Nitišs. "Together with Jussi Pinomäki I have claimed two Euro RX titles and I know the people working in the team - everyone is professional, dedicated and passionate."
Nitišs explains his role with GRX Taneco: "Part of my season will be spent working together with the engineers and team behind the scenes, or testing car updates."
"But be assured, when I’m racing you can expect no giveaways,” he concludes.
The ten round 2019 FIA World Rallycross Championship gets underway on 5 April in Abu Dhabi.
