Burkart confident after Suzuki switch

German Aaron Burkart believes a switch from Citroen to Suzuki will give him the best chance of winning the J-WRC title he narrowly missed out on in 2008.

Last year Burkart lost out to series winner, and fellow Citroen driver, Sebastien Ogier by eight points, but is hoping a switch from the C2 to a Swift Super1600 constructed and supported by Suzuki Sport Europe will give him the edge in 2009.

Burkart, 26, decided to go with the Japanese team after being impressed during a three day gravel and asphalt test at the end of last season.

"I have a good feeling and I am already looking forward to our first event," said Burkart. "Up to now we had just a little time in the Swift but I liked it from the first metre"

With the new J-WRC season beginning this month on Rally Ireland, Burkart is relying on his new team to help him quickly get up to speed.

“It is a lot of work until a new car is completely adjusted to your personal driving style but I am confident,” said Burkart. “The Swift's performance on tarmac and on gravel is remarkable, as well as the level of professionalism and the passion on which the team's work is based. I think that it will be a successful and enjoyable year.”

Aaron will be supported throughout the season by experienced driver manager Lorenza Bellini.

“Aaron is a really talented driver, who already showed his competitiveness in 2008,” said Bellini. “With the assistance of Suzuki Sport Europe we have established a basis for 2009 that may be a perfect precondition for winning the J-WRC-title. We are all extraordinarily motivated and will do our best to achieve this common goal.”

Mr. Ishii, the team manager of Suzuki Sport Europe said, "We are proud that we can collaborate with such a promising driver like Aaron. The test was few days and not a long distance but even though in a short time, he showed us his high potential and I could see his talent as a rally driver. Not only tarmac, but also on gravel, he can control his car very well. As he got J-WRC runner-up title, his improvement is accelerating. I am sure the combination of Aaron and the Swift will make good chemistry."

Source:
http://www.wrc.com