Freddy Loix
Widely
regarded as the most promising Belgian, Freddy Loix progressed from domestic
events to top four finishes on World Rally Championship events in just three
years, before taking on the majority of the test driving for Toyota team in
1997. Very much at home on tarmac, he came to prominence in the F2 arena in Opel
Astras, making himself hot property with a string of brilliant drives at home
and abroad in 1995. Nicknamed "Fast Freddy" by his fans at home, the
young Belgian made the switch to 4WD (four wheel drive) cars in '96 and
immediately impressed. His program, backed by Marlboro and Toyota produced a
fine second overall on the Rally of Portugal, 7th place in Greece and fourth
places on Sanremo and Catalunya.
In Italy he was the fastest man
on the final, all tarmac stages. He also won two National Belgian events, 24
Hours Ypres and Condroz Rally, and finished second in Spa. He achieved his
"A" seed with a storming drive to second in Portugal in '97 and was
fast from the outset in the Toyota Corolla which made its debut at 1000 Lakes.
For 1998 he had a program of three Belgian events, plus Portugal, before a full
14 round World Rally Championship program in 1999 with Mitsubishi.
Armin Schwarz
Date of birth : 16 July 1963
Place of birth : Neustadt (Germany)
Marital status : married
Competition debut : 1983 (Fiat 131 Sport)
First WRC rally : 1988 (RAC rally)
Number of world rallies : 74
Wins : 1 (Catalonia 1991)
Best finish position on a WRC event : 6th in 1999 (Toyota)
Highest achievement : European Champion in 1996 (Toyota)
JUHA KANKKUNEN
Date of birth : 2nd April 1959
Place of birth : Laukaa (Finland)
Marital status : married - 1 child
Competition debut : 1978 (Ford Escort)
First WRC rally : 1979 (1000 Lakes)
Number of world rallies : 156
Win(s) : 23
Highest WRC ranking : World Champion in 1986, 1987, 1991 and 1993
