Hyundai and Kolberg Finish On Podium in Norway.

Last weekend Hyundai Castrol Rally Team Norway driver Kristian Kolberg and co-driver Anders Dawidson brought their Hyundai Accent WRC to the finish of the Elverum Rally, the first round of the Norwegian Rally Championship, in third position.

After a strong drive on Saturday January 27, the Norwegian's inaugural event in the Accent was a success, having only spent one afternoon testing prior to the rally.

Covering a total of 120 competitive stage kilometres, Kolberg started the rally well and ran within the top three positions for the duration.

"This was a very good result for us on our first event," said an ecstatic Kolberg "Considering I didn't have very much testing time, I really thought I would need more practice."

"The Accent has a totally different driving style to what I am used to that requires a very different approach, but it also gives more opportunity for making adjustments which I enjoy. I just need a little bit more time in the car to find some more speed, but this is a very good start for our future."

The next event for the Hyundai Castrol Rally Team Norway will be alongside the Hyundai Castrol World Rally Team drivers at the 2001 International Swedish Rally, 8-11 February.

Elverum Rally - Final Classification.

1.H.Solberg/FloeneToyota Corolla WRC 57mins 57secs
2.Walfridson/BackmanMitusbishi Lancer Evo 6 59mins 56secs
3.Kolberg/DawidsonHyundai Accent WRC 1hr 00.15mins
4.Sveinsvoll/OvestadFord Escort WRC 1hr 00.29mins
5.Ostberg/JahnsrudSubaru Impreza WRC 1hr 00.43mins