DUMFRIES based Albatec Racing has retained Philippe Maloigne for a second attempt on the Rallycross France crown following a successful debut Supercar season for the Frenchman last year. Philippe was a strong title contender over the opening rounds, scoring two wins while securing several fastest overall laps, but dropped to fourth overall after the season-ending event in Lessay.
The SamShield-backed racer will again take the wheel of the #21 Albatec Peugeot 208 RX Supercar in the nine-round series, as well as make two guest outings in Euro RX, at the season-opening World RX of Barcelona in April, and his home event Bretagne World RX of France at Lohéac in September.
Rallycross France kicks off with the opening round in Ducs at the end of April, and finishes in Dreux in mid-October. The full calendar comprises: 29-30 April Ducs; 03-04 June Faleyras; 24-25 June Châteauroux Saint Maur; 08-09 July Sarthe Lavaré; 29-30 July Kerlabo; 26-27 August Pont de Ruan; 16-17 September Mayenne; 30 September/1st October Lessay-Manche; 14-15 October Dreux.
Andy Scott, Team Principal Albatec Racing:
“Starting 2017 with the same drivers as last year puts us in a very strong position and is very encouraging for the team to have their confidence in us to help deliver the title. Last season Philippe proved among the fastest in arguably the strongest domestic rallycross championship. He raced against, and beat, some of the fastest French RX drivers around, including former champions and vice-champions, in both dry and wet conditions. It’s testament to how much he improved during the season that he was also in with a chance of the title right up to the penultimate round, so I’m delighted to have him stay with us for 2017.
“I’m also very happy to see how he goes against the cream of European rallycross in the two Euro RX events in Barcelona and Lohéac. There he will join former champion Tommy Rustad and newcomer Jere Kalliokoski in the team, as well as what I’m sure will be a very strong Euro RX contingent, so I’m excited to see how the three work together.”
Philippe Maloigne, Driver Albatec Racing #21:
“I’ve stayed with Albatec for 2017 as I believe continuity is very important in motorsport. It’s something I learnt in my motocross career so I think we start the season from a strong position, with the same successful team as last year. 2016 was my first full season in Supercars, and with the input of Jérôme [Grosset-Janin] and Stéphane [Orré], and of course a little bit from myself, the car became easier to drive throughout the season allowing me to have some really good results. I know the car is good, I just need to be a little more patient during the races.
“Our success last season was without doubt the combination of a high performing and reliable car, a strong operating team of engineers, mechanics, team manager and team principal, a sponsor prepared to invest to get the best, my capacity to analyse and determine the areas that need to be improved, and of course the driver’s professional behaviour, even though I’m still an amateur!
“This season I will focus in the same way as last, I won two races and will be disappointed if I don’t clinch more this year. Of all the tracks we raced on last year, naturally my favourites were those where I was successful, I hope that in 2017 I’m going to have many, many more favourites!”
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