FIA immediate release
The FIA World Rally Championship welcomed H.R.H Prince Carl Philip yesterday (Thursday 11 February) to officially open the first event of the 2010 WRC season in Sweden, which takes place over three days around Karlstad.
Prince Carl Philip Bernadotte, appointed protector of Rally Sweden, has a strong interest in motorsport. He has attended a number of rallies with his father, King Carl XVI Gustaf, and is also a keen competitor having taken part in a number of endurance races, the Swedish racing series SSK-serien, and most recently the Carrera Cup.
In addition to officially opening the rally at the Super Special Stage in Karlstad, the Prince also visited Rally HQ and the service area in Hagfors. He visited the stages round Torntorp and Viggen today to experience the action and unique atmosphere at the only snow event on the 2010 WRC calendar.
H.R.H Prince Carl Philip said: "I am a big motorsport fan and it has been a pleasure to officially open Rally Sweden. As a racing driver myself, I have profound respect for the immense skill of the WRC drivers and their ability to control the cars in such challenging conditions.
"Rally Sweden is always a great event and it has been fascinating to watch the drivers and engineers in action and see how much hard work the teams put into the rally."
Simon Long, North One Sport CEO, added: "I would like to thank H.R.H Prince Carl Philip for officially opening the 2010 World Rally Championship season in Sweden. It is the beginning of an exciting year for the WRC and it's an honour for a member of the Royal Family to show his support."
ENDS
