Media Release: Ollie O’Donovan Joins Albatec For World RX Argentina
Dumfries, Scotland (UK) —Tuesday 18 November, 2014: Albatec Racing will field a two-litre, 16v Peugeot 208 for 2007 British Rallycross Champion Ollie O’Donovan in the final round of the 2014 FIA World Rallycross Championship, presented by Monster Energy. The London-based Irishman will join regular driver Andy Scott aboard one of the team’s 600bhp Supercars in San Luis, Argentina over the weekend of 28-30 November.
The former Irish Tarmac Rally Champion was the man responsible from bringing Albatec Team Principal Andy into Supercars, after an invitation to join Ollie at Lydden Hill aboard his own ex-Will Gollop Peugeot 306 T16. From that first event, Andy subsequently purchased the car, arguably the most successful car in rallycross history, and went on to claim the 2011 MSA British Rallycross Vice-Champion crown.
Now, Andy and Ollie are to be reunited in the first appearance in South America of the new World RX series, which will pitch around 20 of the world’s greatest Supercar drivers head-to-head across four heats, two semi finals and the all-important final. For O’Donovan, a three-year absence from rallycross was brought to an end mid-way through 2014, where the four-time RX150 Champion bounced back with three Supercar wins from four British Rallycross rounds contested, and a podium finish in the fourth.
While acknowledging his outing in the highly acclaimed World RX will be tough, and the event in Argentina a particularly steep learning curve, Ollie is keen to ensure his season ends on a high in a country renowned for its passion for motorsport. Andy himself heads into the final round with five semi final places already under his belt from eight races contested, and is equally determined to round out the year with a place in the finals.
Andy Scott, Albatec Racing Team Principal:
“I’m delighted to welcome Ollie to Albatec Racing for what promises to be a fantastic end to the season. World RX has been superb this year, IMG and the organisers of each round have put on a great show for the
thousands of fans who turn out, and Argentina will be no exception. The country is widely acknowledged as being fanatical about two things; football and motorsport. I’m certain the organisers will pull out all the stops for the week-long festival, which culminates in the final round of World RX.
“Ollie is responsible for bringing me into Supercars, and now it’s time to repay the favour! His ability behind the wheel is legendary, and his results this season since his return to racing has shown he has lost none of his flair – it will certainly be an interesting weekend and I’m very much looking forward to going head-to-head with him.”
Ollie O’Donovan, Albatec Racing driver:
“I can’t wait to race in Argentina, I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve never been before, so it will I’m sure be quite an experience. It would have been good to get a test beforehand, as I’ve never driven the 208 before, however it’s still just a car!
“It will be a steep learning curve that’s for sure and my plan is to be as reliable as possible and finish every heat. If I can be around the semi final places I’ll be happy. When Andy first drove the 306 at Lydden he was incredible, he loved it and ended up not giving it back! Now he’s returned the invite for me to drive the 208, it should be a great weekend.”
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