Skoda dispense with veteran Auriol
PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Skoda have dispensed with the services of veteran French driver Didier Auriol and will not take part in the 2004 world rally championship until June.
After a poor start to the second half of 2003 with the new Fabia WRC car, Skoda want to concentrate on development before making their debut at the Acropolis Rally in Greece .
The Czech team, who said the separation with Auriol was "amicable", also announced that team chief Pavel Janeba had resigned.
"I feel I am responsible for the Fabia as we haven't obtained the results expected," he said.
Finland's Toni Gardemeister will remain with the team for a third season.
Skoda finished fifth out of sixth in the team championship in 2003 with just 23 points -- only Hyundai endured a worst campaign.
