Image: 

Patrik Sandell and co-driver Pär Almkvist have won the Rally Fogang, the final round of the 2011 Chinese Rally Championship, in the 2WD category.

The event was held 186 miles outside of Hong Kong where Sandell drove a turbocharged 2.0-litre 2WD Skoda Octavia Kit Car flawlessly to win all but 3 of the 15 special stages.

The Swedish ace dominated the rally from the start and maintained his lead to the end despite hitting some minor mechanical issues on Sunday's closing stages. Sandell's class victory paired with his respective teammates' second and fifth place finishes secured the Teams' Championship title for the Skoda Red Bull China Rally team.

"It's been a great weekend from start to finish. From the split, a really good car and cooperation between me and Pär has worked cleanly," said Sandell. "To win the championship for the team was always our main focus...that is what is most valued here. A real team victory - it's amazing what joy it is for the team!"

END