Who will top the ERC battle of the brothers?

Simon Wagner, 25, will go up against his younger brother Julian, 23, on Barum Czech Rally Zlín with the Austrian siblings in contention for ERC3 points and Simon chasing ERC Junior Under 27 points in his Pirelli-equipped PEUGEOT 208 R2.

On Barum Czech Rally Zlín last season, Simon beat Julian to third place in ERC Junior U27 by 2.2s in a dramatic final-stage showdown. When they last competed against each other – on July’s Rally Bohemia in Czech Republic – Julian took the class honours with Simon in third place.

“We had a great battle on Rally Bohemia when Simon started as a test for Barum,” Julian Wagner explained. “There I finished 27 seconds in front of Simon but I know he will push a lot harder at Barum so I think it will be a nice battle.” Simon Wagner added: “We will push each other to the top for sure.”

But while sibling rivalry will be a factor, both Wagners have other priorities. Simon Wagner will be doing all he can to secure a maiden ERC Junior U27 win after brake issues put him out of he lead on the last round in Italy. For Julian Wagner, meanwhile, the event counts for points and a half in the Czech 2WD championship.

“Barum is definitely the season highlight in the ERC, it’s just amazing to drive on these roads with the enthusiastic spectators,” said Simon Wagner. “Last year we finished third in ERC Junior U27 with a puncture that cost us more than three minutes which was a big pity, so there is just one goal for us, to bring home the win this year.”

The post Who will top the ERC battle of the brothers? appeared first on FIA ERC | European Rally Championship.