Kahle signs for Skoda in 2003.

Reigning German Champion Matthias Kahle has signed a contract with Skoda Motorsport which will see him drive a factory car on his native Rallye Deutschland and take on increased testing duties.

Skoda Motorsport's latest recruit has been signed to further boost the development during the year. Kahle has extensive experience, and his career highlights include top-10 finishes on World Championship rallies.

He is supported by Skoda Auto Germany in the German championship since 2002, winning the trophy with the Octavia WRC immediately. Kahle was also given the opportunity to drive the factory Octavia WRC on the Rallye Deutschland last year.

In 2003, Kahle's main focus will be the German Championship again, where he will drive an importer-backed Skoda Octavia WRC. He will drive a factory-specification car on the Rallye Deutschland, and will be heavily involved in testing throughout the year.

The arrival of Kahle completes a formidable line-up of Skoda Motorsport drivers in 2003. The two permanent crews of Didier Auriol and Toni Gardemeister will be backed up by the experienced Kenneth Eriksson, and now also Matthias Kahle. The young Czech driver Jan Kopecky is benefiting from Skoda Motorsport's support in the national championship.

"I'm absolutely thrilled at this opportunity," commented Kahle. "It is every driver's dream to enter a factory team and now that dream has come true for me. I aim to repay Skoda Motorsport's faith in me this year. I hope to use my knowledge of German rallies to give Skoda Motorsport the best possible result on the Rallye Deutschland."

Skoda Auto's Director of Motorsport Petr Kohoutek added: "The deal with Matthias once again shows Skoda Motorsport's firm commitment to world rallying. Matthias is a crucial part of our plan to take Skoda Auto to the top of the sport, and I am confident he will do an excellent job for us."