Proton has enjoyed its first ever victory in the 2012 FIA Super World Rally Championship (S-WRC).

Andersson finished the 24 special stages three minutes 35 seconds ahead of Ford’s Craig Breen and 4 minutes 49 seconds in front of Skoda’s Pontus Tideman. He was also placed 12th overall ahead of some of the main World Rally Championship (WRC) competitors en route to clinching his third successive win at his Swedish home event.

“What a phenomenal weekend it has been and a well deserved victory for Proton after only two rounds of the S-WRC. We knew that we had a very competitive car at the very start of the season in Monte Carlo and we have proven just that in Sweden. The Satria Neo S2000 was dominant throughout the weekend,” said Andersson, who looks back on what could have possibly been two victories in two rounds (of the Championship) for Proton had it not been for an engine fire three stages to the finish at the season-opening Monte Carlo Rally. Rally Sweden attracted the participation of 85 entries and covered a competitive distance of 360km over four days.

“Andersson drove a dominant rally to make an impactful introduction for Proton in Sweden and the World Rally Championship circuit, underlining both the team and brand’s commitment to excel,” said John D. Chacko, Proton’s Director of Group Marketing, Branding and Motorsports.
With Monte Carlo and Sweden now over, Proton is due to compete in another three of the seven S-WRC rounds in 2012.