Griebel was ŠKODA-powered when he won the 2017 FIA ERC1 Junior Championship crown. And with car availability issues ruling out a second consecutive ERC outing in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5, Griebel is being reunited with an old friend.

“The Polo was not available but for me this is not a problem,” said Griebel. “After all, I have celebrated beautiful successes with the ŠKODA Fabia R5.”

Griebel tested his Baumschlager Rallye & Racing ŠKODA on Monday. As well as reaclimatising to the Czech machine worked on his style of driving on Tarmac.

“I practiced not slowing down in a corner so as not to put too much strain on the tyres and drive a tighter and cleaner line,” said reigning German champion Griebel. “I feel better prepared now than two years ago. At that time, I started the rally without a test.”

Griebel is pictured in a BRR ŠKODA Fabia R5 on Rally Islas Canarias in 2017. He finished third in ERC1 Junior and P10 overall.