Dumfries, Scotland (UK) — Friday 1 August, 2014: Albatec Racing heads into unknown territory in round seven of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy at World RX of Canada on 7&8 August. Home to the famous GP3R, Trois-Rivières will see the first ever rallycross event take place and will showcase the Lochfoot-based team’s pair of two-litre, 16v Albatec Peugeot 208s in the hands of former F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve and 2011 British Rallycross Vice-Champion Andy Scott.
Although his home track, the 1.35km World RX configuration will be new to Jacques, but the former Indycar World Series Champion should shine on the predominately tarmac-based layout. While for Team Principal Andy the circuit, set amidst stunning scenery, will no doubt rekindle fond memories of his season in America contesting the Global Rallycross Championship, in which he regularly notched up heat wins on his way to the finals.
Established in 1967, the Trois-Rivières track has previously played host to NASCAR, Canadian Touring Car Championships, Canadian GT Supercar Championship, and Porsche GT3 Ultra94 Canada Challenge Cup among others but 2014 marks an exciting new departure. The first appearance by the 600bhp flame-spitting turbocharged racers, which accelerate faster than F1, 0-60 in under two seconds, will provide a thrilling spectacle to the thousands of spectators.
And no stranger to the GP3R, Jacques will stay on in Canada to contest the JuliaWine.com 100 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series in a Dodge Challenger, which takes place on Sunday, offering yet another opportunity for the locals to marvel at the French-Canadian’s skills.
The World RX event moves away from its traditional two-day format, with track action getting underway with a shakedown test at 22.00 on Thursday evening. Action resumes on Friday morning with a two-hour practice session at 12.00, with four qualifying heats, on the hour, starting at 15.00. The semi finals start at 20.30 followed by the all-important Final at approximately 21.00. Tickets for the event are available from www.gp3r.com and additional event information is available at www.rallycrossrx.com
Andy Scott, Team Principal and Driver, Albatec Racing #26:
“I’m extremely excited about racing in Canada, Trois-Rivières is famous across the world, and from what I’ve seen the track and facilities there are superb. All credit to the whole team there for putting this together and of course to Martin Anayi and everyone at IMG.
“The circuit layout looks interesting, while the tarmac/gravel split of 60/40 should suit Jacques’ driving style. I’m just eager to get back to race action after the summer break, and while we naturally needed to get the cars packed up and off to Canada straight from Belgium, leaving little time for any development, I’m confident we can return to semi final pace in Canada and over the second half of the season.”
Jacques Villeneuve, Driver, Albatec Racing #25:
“It’s always a pleasure to race in Quebec, and I’m delighted that I not only get the chance to race the Supercar in World RX but also the Dodge Challenger in the NASCAR event. I always take every opportunity I can to race here, especially at Trois-Rivières, a place that is always linked closely with the Villeneuve name.
“Although it’s my home track, the rallycross configuration will be as new to me as will be to everyone else until the very first test on Thursday. However I’m sure the track surface there will suit my driving style very well, so I’m feeling quite confident ahead of the race and looking forward to driving in front of the enthusiastic home crowd.”
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