Bulacia has confirmed a seven-round programme, beginning with Rallye Monte-Carlo (19-22 January) and Rally Sweden (09-12 February). The remaining five rallies on which he will compete are yet to be confirmed but a return to México, where he won WRC3 in 2020, is high on his wish list.
"Škoda has confirmed for now Monte-Carlo and Sweden,” explained the 22-year-old. “The choice of the rest of the events will depend on the team's strategy. If [I am] to choose, I would love to go back to México and Chile,” whilst also revealing Portugal, Estonia, Finland, Greece and the Central European Rally as other options.
“But as I said, Toksport and Škoda will define as they go."
Competing in a Citröen C3 R5, 2020 marked a breakthrough year for Bulacia with a category win at WRC Guanajuato Rally México followed up by podiums in Turkey and Italy as he finished the season second-overall behind Jari Huttunen.
A step up to WRC2 followed in 2021 with a string of strong results, however 2022 was a year to forget for Bulacia with an 11th placing in WRC2 in Belgium marking his best return. He is now confident a switch to the all-new Fabia will see his form from two seasons ago return.
“I have been able to carry out several development tests, and I can tell you that the new Fabia is as powerful as it is impressive. Plus, its safety enhancements give you even more confidence to push it to the limit.
“Clearly we have a lot to learn, but we're also going to seek victory in every event we contest."
Regular co-driver Diego Vallejo, with whom he linked up with midway through last season, is unavailable for Rallye Monte-Carlo as he completes his Dakar commitments, meaning Axel Coronado will step into the vacant seat. The Spaniard has recent experience in the WRC, reading the notes for Chilean Emilio Fernández in three outings in 2022.
Marquito’s younger brother Bruno is yet to confirm his 2023 plans.
Finland
Italy
Hungary