Dumfries, Scotland (UK) — Wednesday 13 May 2015; Less than a week after its Peugeot 208RX Supercars starred in round three of British RX at Pembrey, Wales, Albatec Racing heads to Belgium, to the Circuit Jules Tacheny, Mettet for the FIA Ladbrokes World RX of Belgium. Round three of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy, the event is also the opening round of Euro RX, which pitches 20 of the best rallycross racers in the world head-to-head aiming for victory.
Over the last three competitive outings in the hands of Team Principal Andy Scott, the 600bhp two-litre, 16v motor has surged to two outright wins and a second place, but this weekend’s season-opening Euro RX will mark the team’s first European event of 2015. Heading the line-up is Jérôme Grosset-Janin, a former French champion, with an already proven track record in rallycross. The Frenchman successfully tested his Poujoulat-backed car recently and heads to his debut race with the team boosted by the experience and the team’s results in Britain.
For the team’s newest driver James Grint, the weekend comes straight off the back of a superb debut Supercar race that saw the Hertfordshire driver quickly in amongst the established drivers at Pembrey, with a racy performance in front of his home fans. Third fastest in practice, and third quickest overall after his first heat, a forced excursion in the second, and a gripping duel with Andy in the third, earnt him his first Final, in which he finished a very creditable fourth.
With most pressure on his more experienced team-mate, James heads to Belgium with less to prove, but with a confidence that belies his lack of Supercar track time. He showed in Wales that he can mix it at the front and is not shy in making a move on the rallycross regulars. His partnership with the rapid Frenchman offers Albatec Racing a shot at the Euro RX title as it embarks on only its third year in competition.
As for the circuit, Mettet hosted its first ever rallycross event last year, to great applause from teams and fans alike, and for 2015 benefits from a longer gravel section spanning nearly 40%. The 1.1km track will suit the Peugeots and both drivers, both having rally experience under their belt, while the team benefits from the knowledge gained during its WorldRX outing there in 2014.
The weekend kicks off with open practice at 11.00am on Saturday 16 May, with the opening two heats starting from 13.30. Warm-up at 09.00 on Sunday morning starts track proceedings with the final two heats from 10.30. The Euro RX semi-finals, in which the fastest 12 from all the heats, get underway at 13.40, with the fastest three from both semi finals progressing to the Finals from 15.00.
Andy Scott, Albatec Racing Team Principal:
“I’m pretty excited about racing in Belgium. We didn’t have the best of results there last year, with considerable damage to both cars across the weekend, but with a great start to our British RX campaign I’m confident that the Albatec Peugeots are very strong and competitive, with more still to come.
“Both Jérôme and James have proved very competent and quick drivers; Jérôme we know from his previous rallycross experience has everything it needs to be a serious championship contender, while James’ driving in Pembrey was outstanding, and he’s certainly going to be one to watch going forwards.”
James Grint, Albatec Racing driver #27:
“We had a great opening race in Supercars with a strong performance at Pembrey last weekend, including a good introduction to what I can expect against the best in the world. I go into Belgium with no pressure though, the pressure is on Jérôme with his greater experience, however I am a competitive driver and I want to win. I think I’ve proved I have the speed, now it’s all down to gaining track time and experience of racing against the rest of the Euro RX regulars.
“The car was fantastic in testing and at Pembrey, and I improved every session, so we’re certainly going in the right direction. I know it’s going to be tough, the competition is fierce, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got to gain a strong result, with a place in the semi finals very much my aim.”
Jérôme Grosset-Janin, Albatec Racing driver #74:
“I am excited to start this new challenge with Albatec Racing over a competition week-end. I have already had a few days with the team, at BritishRX and during the test days, and I feel very happy within the team. We have a very good organisation, with good values and team members that match well with my spirit.
“The Albatec Peugeot 208 feels very good. I have felt a lot of new things and I know that the car is very efficient! Now we have to see what it gives against the best drivers in the world but I am already sure that the package is good. The car has a good balance, and every time we change the set-up it reacts, so it is very comfortable for me. I am racing driver because I like to drive, I like challenges, I like competition and of course I like to win… Three of those are already on the way!”
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