The Circuit of Ireland Rally which takes place this weekend 2nd to 4th April, is going to set the stage for Opel Motorsport as four teams participate in the Junior FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).

Having won the first Junior ERC round this year in Latvia, Swedish team Emil Bergkvist (20) and co-driver Joakim Sjöberg (29) are highly confident despite the stiff competition that exists in this segment.  Bergkvist, who now leads the Junior ERC rankings is staying cool, calm and collected: "Even after our win in Latvia, my expectations are exactly the same as at the beginning of the season. I know that I still have a lot to learn, especially on asphalt and the Circuit of Ireland will be a new and big challenge. I have a good feeling about Ireland and its close, fast stages will be lots of fun!"

Meanwhile Bergkvist's other ADAC Opel Rallye Junior Team colleagues Marijan Griebel (25) and co-driver Stefan Clemens (28) from Germany, are also raring to go. Speaking about the Irish leg Griebel said; "The stages are unique and challenging, and will for sure be great to drive. I have no doubt the competition will again be incredibly tough. I prefer asphalt surfaces and the ADAM R2 is the perfect car for these conditions so together we are hoping to be a force reckoned with."

Each Opel ADAM R2 is powered by a 1.6-litre ECOTEC 16V engine with variable camshaft phasing that develops around 185hp and maximum torque of about 190 Nm in its competitive configuration. Power is transmitted through a Sadev sequential five-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential with a multi-disc lock. The chassis set-up, including asphalt and gravel settings, guarantees maximum traction and dynamic handling. Excellent deceleration is provided by a braking system with a hydraulic 'fly-off' handbrake, Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers and braking pressure regulation for the rear axle.

The other two teams representing Opel Motorsport this weekend also include a German- Luxembourger duo of Julius Tannert and Jennifer Thielen, plus the team of Alexs Zawada and Cathy Dérousseaux who are from Poland and France respectively.

Donegal Square in Belfast will be the official starting point for the Circuit of Ireland Rally's ceremonies this Thursday evening. Held around Northern Ireland's capital city Belfast, a total of 22 R2 cars from the RC4 category, including 19 teams registered in FIA ERC Junior, will tackle 18 extremely demanding asphalt stages totalling around 215 kilometres in length. The first day of competition on Friday comprises eight stages followed by another 10 on Saturday.