Zoom Gould takes over the BFGoodrich seat in Scotland

English youngster Adam Gould has been offered the chance to break into the big time at the wheel of the BFGoodrich Drivers Team Peugeot 207 S2000 at the Rally of Scotland.

Gould was nominated by a panel of journalists from his home country by a landslide margin; he will represent Britain on its inaugural round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge on November 19-21, which also closes the 2009 championship.

The season began in stirring fashion for the Kronos Racing-prepared BFGoodrich car, when it took victory on the Monte Carlo Rally in January with Sebastien Ogier at the wheel. The Peugeot was again competitive with Thierry Neuville in Ypres, Martin Prokop in Zlin and Luca Cantamessa in Sanremo.

For the final outing of the season, the BFGoodrich drive deservedly goes to the maturing talent of Gould, who contested this year's British Rally Championship.

Gould's candidacy was selected among a shortlist which also included Niall McShea, David Bogie, Barry Clark, and Martin McCormack. Guy Wilks applied for the guest drive as well but withdrew his name when he secured a deal with Skoda.

A panel composed of BFGoodrich, Kronos Racing, the UK's national motorsport association (MSA) and a dozen journalists awarded the BFGoodrich drive. Gould received 10 of the available 15 votes.

"I am very happy with the decision made today," said Marc van Dalen, the Kronos Racing Team Principal whose outfit also prepared the car Kris Meeke drove to this year's IRC title.

"Adam has received the majority of the votes and when the case is like this, it's always the best," van Dalen pointed out. "it's been a clear choice."

"This is absolutely fantastic news," said Gould. "I've got to say a big thanks to everybody who voted for me and assure them that I will do my absolute best when I get to the event."

A day-long test is scheduled for Gould on November 16th.

D.B. © CAPSIS International