Lydden Hill, Kent (UK) —, 2016; James Grint underlined his potential with a strong performance in round six of the MSA British Rallycross Championship in association with Odyssey Battery at Lydden Hill this Bank Holiday Monday. Driving the #27 Albatec Peugeot 208 RX Supercar, the Hertford racer was immediately up to speed from morning practice, and left Kent with sixth place in the eight-car Final.
The Dumfries team and Kimpton racer secured a podium finish last time the series visited Lydden Hill in round two in March, and went into the one-day event looking for a repeat performance to move up the overall standings. A cracking start to his campaign saw James take second place in his opening qualifying race, and the fourth fastest overall time behind two multiple champions, Julian Godfrey and Pat Doran, and multiple race winner Kevin Procter.
In the second and third races, James twice finished fourth and was fifth fastest overall to ensure he easily qualified for the semi-finals. In that a well-timed joker lap earnt the former rallyman third and a place in the all-important Final.
Starting from row three, James made a decent start and was running third before taking his compulsory joker on lap five. However, after pushing hard in the opening laps, his tyres were past their best when he resumed the main track, and he dropped to sixth at the finish.
Despite missing out on a podium position, James and Team Principal Andy Scott leave Kent optimistic ahead of the next British RX event, at Pembrey, Wales on 25 September. Albatec Racing returns to World RX action this coming weekend at Lohéac-Bretagne, where Andy joins reigning European Champion Tommy Rustad and French RX contender Philippe Maloigne.
Andy Scott, Team Principal, Albatec Racing:
“After a great start it’s a little disappointing not to come away with a podium finish. However overall it’s been a very positive day with some very consistent lap times across the three qualifying heats and finals.
“James drove very well all day, and the changes we made to the car worked very well. So overall I’m happy with the outcome.”
James Grint, driver Albatec Racing #27:
“Overall it’s been a great weekend and I’m very happy. We had the pace right from the start and the car performed perfectly all day. We made some significant changes after practice and throughout the day it allowed me to have three good qualifying races.
“The training I had certainly paid off in the opening heats, but in the Final I think I pushed a little too hard and overcooked the tyres, which meant after I’d jokered I was unable to retake third position. We had some good clean racing today though and I’m happy with the outcome – we head into the next round fired up and ready for a good result.”
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