Greek driver Lambros Athanassoulas will return to the FIA World Rally Championship at next week’s season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo (21 - 24 January) for the first time since 2013.

The 39-year-old will drive a Skoda Fabia R5 in WRC 2 in the first of a programme of events in the WRC’s principal support category and in his own country.

Athanassoulas, who will be partnered by Nikos Zakheos, has a WRC history dating back to 2005 when he first tackled the Acropolis Rally. His best result was in 2009 when he finished eighth on the gruelling Greek event and won the PWRC category in a Fabia S2000.

“Rallye Monte-Carlo is a legendary event,” said Athanassoulas. “Along with the Acropolis Rally and the rallies in Finland and Great Britain, it is a rally that every driver wants to compete in.

“Our primary goal is to adapt as quickly as possible to the specific racing conditions (snow, ice, wet asphalt) and, of course, be able to finish, which in itself will be a success. Nikos and I will do everything in our power to bring the best possible result.”

The campaign will be backed by the Lascaris Foundation, which promotes Greek national identity through a variety of cultural, social and financial projects. One of its main focuses is to support sport.

“The renewal of the Lascaris Foundation sponsorship, amid the given unfavourable economic situation in our country, is for us a great honour and a great responsibility,” added Athanassoulas.

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