Dumfries, Scotland (UK) — 22 July 2016; Albatec Racing will field two Peugeot 208 RX Supercars in round six of the French Rallycross Championship at Kerlabo on 30&31 July. Albatec Team Principal Andy Scott will make his long-awaited French RX debut in the Motis/Rock Oil-backed two-litre, 16v motor alongside championship front-runner Philippe Maloigne.
Philippe goes into the event with a victory already under his belt in his SamShield-backed Peugeot to add to two six place finishes from the first four rounds, including in Pont De Ruan last weekend. His results put him sixth in the overall points standings, and he heads to the next round with a return to the top step of the podium very much on his mind.
Andy joined Albatec’s Euro RX regulars reigning champion Tommy Rustad and vice-champion Jérôme Grosset-Janin in rounds two and three in Norway and Sweden, qualifying for the semi-finals last time out in Holjes. With extensive experience across Global, World, European, and British championships, the twice British runner-up brings a wealth of rallycross experience into the championship and is equally determined to leave France with a podium finish.
Situated on the Côtes d’Armor, Circuit de Kerlabo’s joker lap is only marginally slower than the usual race lap, and one of the longest on the schedule, offering a new challenge for the drivers and teams. The competition in French RX this year has been fiercely contested with four different winners from the opening four rounds, and the calibre of drivers continues to be high, leaving the Albatec pair with a tough job ahead as they bid to get both cars into the Final.
Free practice in Kerlabo gets underway at 09.45-12.15 on Saturday, followed by the first and second qualifying races at 13.30 and 18.30. Sunday continues with warm-up at 08.00, with the third and fourth races at 09.00 and 12.00. The semi-finals and finals take place from 13.45. All times CEST.
Andy Scott, driver and Team Principal Albatec Racing :
“I’m very excited and happy about racing in French RX at Kerlabo, in what promises to be a cracking weekend. I’ve not raced in the French series before and therefore never raced at Kerlabo, but I’ve heard only good things about it. I know from previous years and of course this year with Philippe that the level of competition is extremely high, but I aim to put on a good show in front of the crowds. From a team perspective, it’s great to have two cars challenging for results and as far as those go, our aim will very much be on getting both cars through to the Final.”
Philippe Maloigne, driver Albatec Racing :
“It will be a very interesting weekend with both myself and Andy racing, and I’m sure that will affect the whole dynamics of the team. It’s always valuable having a second driver within a team to compare data, and discuss strategy, but I’m sure we’ll both be out there with the aim of winning. It would be great to have both of us reach the Final, and I’m certain the team will continue to demonstrate its race and championship winning potential. I’m very much focused on taking it as just another race, where I hope my improved pace and performance across the opening rounds will allow me to achieve another strong result.”
