Albatec Racing continues its challenge for FIA European Rallycross Championship honours this weekend (15&16 June) in the fifth round of the series at the Lnke circuit in Hell. Continuing the on-going development of the two-litre, 16v, Peugeot 208, Albatec Racing will join the RallycrossRX regulars and a handful of wild-card entries determined to cement its potential with a good result as the season approaches the half-way point.
The Peugeot 208 proved its capabilities in the series-opening round at Lydden Hill over Easter weekend, when Andy Scott finished first and second in two of his four heats, before a puncture forced him out of contention. In Portugal, Michal De Keersmaecker continued a repeat of that form, winning a heat and narrowly missing a place in the semi finals.
Now Team Principal Scott will be hoping to put the disappointment of Finland behind him as he heads into battle amid a strong Supercar line-up in Norway. The Dumfries Scotsman recovered from a hit in his opening two heats at Kouvola on Saturday, to finish fourth in both races, but was forced to withdraw from the event on Sunday morning due to engine issues.
The 2011 MSA British Rallycross Vice-Champion will be looking to redress that this weekend as he bids to kick-start his RallycrossRX challenge in the second of the three Scandinavian rounds and has high expectations ahead of an appearance at arguably one of the best tracks on the 2013 schedule.
Scott has only contested the race once, in 2011 when a broken gearbox in the last heat brought his weekend to a finish. However he hopes that his knowledge of the 1.2km track located in Stjrdal, some 30 km northeast of Trondheim, will stand him in good stead.
Although a relative newcomer to the European calendar, Lnke is considered one of the finest in Europe. Set in stunning scenery and amid several elevation changes, it is both technical and challenging, as well as offering a fantastic view for the spectators.
The RallycrossRX track activity kicks off with practice at 12.00 on Saturday 15, followed by the first of the heats at 14.30 and the second from 15.45. Sundays heats will take place from 10.30, with the Semi Finals and Finals from 15.00. (All times are local and remain subject to change).
Andy Scott, Team Principal and driver Albatec Racing #26 :
Now that Finland is over, its time to put the weekend behind us and look forward to Norway. We need to work hard during the week to ensure that the car is in prime condition and Im confident we can do this and come out stronger.
I like the Lnke circuit very much, its challenging and although I havent had good results there, its definitely among my favourites on the European calendar. Without doubt my favourite part is the hairpin and the climb up the hill back onto the straight, but like any track there are some difficult areas which really sort the men out from the boys.
Marc Laboulle, Team Manager Albatec Racing :
"Norway is definitely a country of "rallycrossers", when you see how many Norwegian drivers we have in the discipline. The track is renowned as being very spectacular, with ups and downs, and a first corner where often many things can happen..
The Norwegians will wish to do well at home, as well as the Swedes before their home round and as Hell is the fifth event, we will then be approaching the second part of the championship, meaning there will be even more competitive races. To rank in the top in RallycrossRX you need performance, reliability and consistency.
After Finland, and so much disappointment, we absolutely must perform in Norway and as always that means with the full support of everyone in the team and our technical partners. I am certain that all these innovations and efforts will soon pay off.
