Albatec Racing returns to track action in round four of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy in Kouvola, Finland next weekend 28/29 June with renewed determination following a solid performance in Norway. Fielding just one Peugeot 208 for former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve, the Dumfries-based team embarks on the second of three Scandinavian rounds determined to capitalise on the pace of the two litre, 16v World RX Supercar, which saw the French-Canadian post the fastest overall lap time in heat one, and the second fastest in heat two last time out.
Only a puncture in the final qualifying heat prevented the former Indycar World Series Champion from progressing to the finals, and next weekend sees the team take to a track on which Jacques is expected to shine at the wheel of the 600bhp motor. With his ice racing knowledge, coupled with his undoubted outright speed, the undulating Kouvola track looks set to allow the former Indy 500 winner the opportunity to challenge for victory.
Jacques proved his potential to get among the front runners in Norway, seeing off former World Rally Champion, and first round victor, Petter Solberg in heat one to take his maiden heat win. Running among the crucial top 12 for the opening three heats, a puncture in the fourth dropped him out of contention, but the rapid racer will put that disappointment behind him as he bids to qualify for his first final.
The Kouvola track situated in Tykkinmäki is a popular event on the RX calendar, hosting races since 2010. Incorporating a jump to the delight of the thousands of enthusiastic spectators who benefit from the sloping spectator areas around the 1.1km track, Kouvola, unlike the opening three rounds features it’s joker towards the end of the lap.
The Albatec team, located in Lochfoot, Dumfries, suffered a disappointing 2013 Finnish event in the European Championship, after engine issues caused retirement from the event, but Team Principal Andy Scott, who gives up his 208 to Jacques following crash damage sustained to his own in a testing accident, is equally determined that next weekend will see the outfit return to the form that netted outright victory in its final domestic race of 2013.
Saturday’s track action begins with open practice at 11.00 and the first of two qualifying heats at 13.30. Sunday sees an hour-long warm-up at 09.00, followed by two further heats at 10.30, with the semi finals for support races getting underway from 14.30. Tickets for the event are available from https://bit.ly/1uJl2iU with additional event information available at www.rallycrossrx.com
Andy Scott, Team Principal, Albatec Racing:
“After such a strong start to the weekend in Norway, where Jacques was arguably the fastest driver on track in the opening two heats, we left the weekend very disappointed not to have reached the finals. We know the 208 is quick and Jacques’ speed has never been in question, so we head to Finland determined to capitalise on the pace of both car and driver, where only qualifying to the finals will be good enough.
“We have invested a lot of time, effort and money into this programme and firmly believe we have all the tools to do the job, we just need to convert all of that into the results I know we are capable of. Kouvola is one of the most exciting yet challenging races on the 2014 schedule, and we all look to the weekend with confidence.”
Jacques Villeneuve, Driver, Albatec Racing:
“I was disappointed not to progress in Norway as I know the Albatec 208 is super quick, but that’s rallycross. It’s not enough to just be quick, you need consistency and a little bit of luck also to allow you to get the best results from the heats. We made good progress during testing and again in Norway, so I am feeling confident ahead of what I hear is a great event, and one of the best tracks on the schedule.
“I will be pushing hard to get some clean, fast heats and won’t be happy with anything less than a place in the semi finals.”
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