Gabriel Warde crowned Scania Young European Truck Driver 2012

Ireland’s Gabriel Warde has won the Scania Young European Truck Driver 2012 (YETD) competition.

The final was held in Södertälje, Sweden, on Saturday afternoon [8 September] and attracted close to 10,000 spectators. Warde as victor will receive a new Scania R-series, at a value of €100,000 (£80,000).

In total, 24 countries were represented with tests including defensive and fuel-economy driving, cargo securing, check before driving, rescue and fire, and safe manoeuvering.

Erik Ljungberg, senior vice-president and head of Scania corporate relations, said: “There is only one who can call himself the best young truck driver in Europe but I think all 24 can call themselves winners.”

Scania YETD is a global initiative promoting responsible, safe driving. It was set up in 2003 to highlight the role of the driver, and to attract more young people into the driving profession.