Young
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Russian Novikov and Norwegian Ostberg, who are both ranked as potential future world champions, are getting behind separate initiatives in their homelands.

Novikov is developing a one-make rally series, while Ostberg is helping to guide the career of Frank Tore Larsen and his co-driver Torstein Eriksen, who compete in a Ford Fiesta R2 in national events in Scandinavia.

“We see Frank Tore as a very promising and enthusiastic young driver who, along with his co-driver aims to develop a long and successful career both nationally and internationally,” said Ostberg’s father Morten Ostberg. “We will assist their development and our expertise and network of contacts can help them develop their talent and reach their potential.”

Novikov’s planned scheme will involve the use of a low-specification Volkswagen Polo after the WRC podium finisher attracted interest from the firm’s Russian importer.

“We are working on a concept developed with the VW Polo, somewhere between R1 and R2,” Novikov said. “The Russian Volkswagen importer loved it so much that now the preparations are being carried out for the VW Cup 2013 for the first time.”