Duval to contest Wales Rally GB

> Francois Duval confirmed that he would contest the final round of the FIA World Rally championship, the Wales Rally GB. Denis Giraudet, a Frenchman, has been named as his co-driver. Giraudet was without a co-driver, after his regular co-driver Patrick Pivato was hospitalized after an accident in Japan, while navigating for Duval. Pivato is currently out of critical state, and will be returning to his home country soon, where he will undergo another operation, to set his broken pelvis. Giruadet was one of the first people to arrive at the scene of the accident, and being a good friend of Pivato accompanied him to the hospital, helping in every way he could.

In statement issued by the Stobart team, this gesture was appreciated. It read, “It is a tremendous showing of admiration to both Pivato and Duval that Giraudet has offered to co-drive for the Belgian driver. Duval began to question whether he was psychologically fit enough to enter Wales Rally GB after the incident in Japan but the new partnership with Giraudet seems like the most appropriate one for the situation given the events which have affected both of their lives over the past two weeks.”

Apart from Giraudet’s efforts, the team also appreciated Brynildsen for accepting the decision to partner Giraudet with Duval, instead of himself for the Welsh event. Malcolm Wilson, Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Principal, remarked “This is a great gesture by Denis and I believe that Francois couldn’t have a better person sitting next to him for GB considering what they both went through in Japan. Denis will also bring a wealth of experience with him and his presence will give Francois more confidence than anyone else. I’m also looking forward to him building on his last performance from Rally GB in 2006 which really impressed me.”

Apart from Duval, the Stobart VK-M Sport Ford rally team entry now features Henning Solberg, Dave Weston, Steve Perez, Matthew Wilson and Barry Clark.