Dumfries, Scotland (UK) — July 2015; Just a week after dominating the French Rallycross Championship round at Pont De Ruan with Julien Fébreau at the wheel, Albatec Racing heads to Wales this weekend for round six of the British Rallycross Championship in association with the Shannon Group, looking to continue its race-winning form.
The leaders of the FIA European Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy, will field its pair of Peugeot 208 RX Supercars for Dumfries rallycross racer Andy Scott and Flying Finn Kristian Sohlberg.
For Andy it marks a return to the track on which he finished second earlier in the year, to maintain his series lead over four-time champion Julian Godfrey. A rather disappointing result by Andy’s standards in the following double-header Mondello Park rounds, in which contact in both finals ended his bid for victory, handed the series lead to Godfrey. Now the experienced rallycross racer will be looking for a return to the top step of the podium aboard his MacDuff/Motis/Rock Oil-backed machine to overcome the 10-point deficit and keep his championship title hopes firmly on track.
Joining the Team Principal in the Supercar line-up is rapid ex-WRC rally driver Kristian, who made such an impressive rallycross debut in Pont de Ruan last weekend. Second fastest in practice amid an ultra-competitive French RX field, the 37 year-old quickly got to grips with the 600bhp powerhouse, winning his first heat race, and consistently running in the qualifying positions. A hit in the semi final ended his chances of progressing, however the Konttorityö-backed racer has high expectations for Sunday, ahead of his World RX debut in Rallycross of Turkey in October.
Completing the line-up is double and reigning RX150 British Champion Marc Scott. A triple race winner already this season, Marc is currently tied on points with long-term 
rival Chrissy Palmer, the only other winner in buggies this year. Heading to Wales on the back of a double podium in Ireland, the Lochmaben racer will be looking to put the disappointment of spinning away a certain victory last time out at the Welsh track firmly behind him, with the intention of leaving Pembrey topping the leaderboard.
Three rounds remain of the resurgent British RX and with plenty of points available the title battle is hotting up for Albatec, which recently confirmed its entry into World Rallycross of Lohéac with four-time World Touring Car Champion and 10-time Andros Trophy winner Yvan Muller. Amongst a busy 2015, the team will resume its bid for Euro RX honours in World Rallycross of Norway at Hell next month, which pitches series leader Jérôme Grosset-Janin and ex-British rally star James Grint against the cream of Europe.
Track action in Pembrey on Sunday July 19 gets underway with practice at 09.00 followed by the first of three heats at 10.15, and the Finals from 14.00. Details of live timing and live streaming are available from the official series website at www.rallycrossbrx.com
Andy Scott, Albatec Racing Team Principal and driver :
“I go into this weekend with nothing short of victory in my mind. We had a disappointing result in Mondello Park, despite proving once again that we have the speed. Now we need to continue to convert that speed into results, starting with Pembrey, to get my championship bid back on track.
“It’s a fast track and I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel and also excited to be bringing Kristian into the British championship. He had a good weekend in France and he’s had a week to reflect on it, and I’m confident that he’ll be right up there at the front. I’m certain the fast Pembrey circuit will suit his flamboyant driving style.”
Kristian Sohlberg :
“Pont de Ruan was mostly as I expected, but the track was quite slow and I needed to change totally my driving style. Every lap it felt better and we also managed to improve the car set-up. It was a positive start even if we didn’t get the result I wanted, but the most important thing was to get my first feeling of rallycross and learn, which I certainly did.
“There were many challenges; the track was slow, and racing against other drivers was also totally different, but I had big help from Andy as he was spotting for me, the next race will surely be easier. The power of the car is amazing, in any gear, at nearly any moment and you just have massive power. It takes time to learn to use the power the correct way, and drive the correct way when someone is close behind.
“I’m really looking forward to the weekend, I’ve been watching a lot of in-car footage, trying to learn the track and its key points. It’s going to be interesting to see the level of competition. From what I have seen there are some really good drivers. Also to race against Andy is going to be fun. Hopefully there are no team orders, or I might just switch the radio off! I’m also looking forward to try and further improve the car’s set-up, to find more speed and hopefully help Jérôme and James in their coming events.”
Marc Scott :
“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Pembrey, it’s a fantastic track and after the results at Mondello Park, which see me tying at the top of the leaderboard, I’ve really got the bit between my teeth now and am determined to come away from Wales back on top.
“We made a small error at Pembrey last time out with our decision not to put on new tyres, but we won’t be making that mistake again! I’m really fired up and ready to get back leading the way.”
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