Over the clouds and over to Wales for ERC stalwart von Thurn und Taxis

Von Thurn und Taxis has never been to Wales before but that will change when he contests the penultimate event of the 2024 ERC season from 30 August - 1 September in his Pirelli-equipped Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.  

“I’m massively looking forward to it,” said the ex-GT racer. “I’ve been having a look at some of the stages that have been run in the British championship that I assume are going to be part of the event and it looks really incredible.   

“I wanted to do something new and that’s why I skipped Rome. Barum is a kind of obligatory appointment because it’s just so legendary but Wales and also [Rally Silesia] look like they’re interesting and new events.”  

The 41-year-old continued: “I’ve not been to Wales before but I’ve spoken to [former ERC Radio reporter] Chris Rawes many times about it and it looks beautiful.”

Von Thurn und Taxis starts JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion on the back of a strong showing on last weekend’s Barum Czech Rally Zlín with his seventh fastest time on the first run through Semetín a notable highlight.  

“I’m over the clouds to be honest,” von Thurn und Taxis said following his Semetín heroics from first on the road. “The one thing is road position but the other thing is to make something out of it. Yesterday I had such a bad feeling, I wasn’t feeling it at all, I couldn’t drive and couldn’t really enjoy myself. But I woke up [on Sunday] with a completely different mindset and was just looking forward to Semetín and Pindula so much and I was really happy with my times.”  

Von Thurn und Taxis, who competes for Baumschlager Rallye & Racing in the ERC, is co-driven by fellow German Frank Christian.